TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 ITC LEADERSHIP 4 ITC INTRODUCTION LETTER 5 GOVERNOR BRAD LITTLE 6 DISPERSING NATIONAL TALENT 8 CREATING AND PROTECTING INNOVATIONS REGIONAL REPORTS
Region 1 11 Region 2 16 Region 3 20 Region 4 25 Region 5 29 Region 6 34
39 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 41 PROFILE OF IDAHO 50 DEAL FLOW 54 ECONOMY 59 GOVERNANCE 62 PEOPLE 65 PLACE 71 SOCIETY 79 INVESTORS 80 REPORT AND CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
2020 2 Idaho Technology Council Executive Committee
Jay Larsen, President & CEO Jim Gasaway Steve Meyer Andy Scoggin Idaho Technology Council Kount Intermax Networks StageDotO
Paris Cole, Chair Von Hansen Vid Mohan-Ram Reid Stephan Truckstop.com Konexus J.R. Simplot Company St. Luke’s Health Systems
Amy Lientz, Vice Chair Blake Hansen George Mulhern Cory Vaughn Idaho National Laboratory Alturas Capital Cradlepoint Delta Dental of Idaho
Christopher Simboli James Haynes J.D. Mullen Mark Wilden Secretary, Power Engineers Intuit Idaho Central Credit Union Parsons, Behle & Latimer Jason Huszar Joel Poppen Dave Pattee Idaho Power Micron Treasurer Deloitte Jeet Kumar Sean Robbins In Time Tec Regence Blue Shield of Idaho Tim Garrigan Brand Advisor Tony Lima Melanie Robocki Garrigan Lyman Group Melaleuca Perkins Coie
Andy Binder Marcus McDonald Kristin Ruffing HP United Heritage Insurance MWI Animal Health
Idaho Technology Council Board of Trustees John Abreu Steve Frinsko Zach Olsen Todd Schwarz Portneuf Medical Center Micron CodeWorks College of Southern Idaho
Rick Aman Amy Gile James Price Scott Snyder College of Eastern Idaho Silverdraft Clearwater Analytics Idaho State University
Alex Baar Bert Glandon Rich Raimondi John Stiffler Microsoft College of Western Idaho Bishop Kelly Boise Cascade
John Balderree Adam Guyton Jay Reynolds Rich Stuppy Western Governor’s University PayneWest Insurance Healthwise Kount
Harold Blackman Erin-Todd Hansen Brad Ritts Ron Teagarden Boise State University Intuit University of Idaho Verified First
Jim Buie Alison Johnson Celynda Roach Mark Wennstrom Involta Holland & Hart Sparklight Saint Alphonsus
Cheryl Charlton Chris Johnson Bert Roberts Jason Williams Idaho Digital Learning Scentsy Sorenson Capital BBSI PEO
Stephen Cilley Brian Larsen Richard Ruiz Ataraxis PEO Stoel Rives TechCU
Bill Connors Jeff Leonnig Amy Salerno Boise Chamber of Commerce Lumen COVR
Rhonda Dahm Rick MacLennan Doug Sayer Tonaquint North Idaho College Premier Technology
Jeanine Daily Dejan Nenov Scott Schlange KPMG Panaton KeyBank
IDAHO KNOWL REPORT EDGE 3 DEAR FRIENDS
Congratulations—we all made it through an incredibly challenging and unique year. We experienced tremendous change in 2020 as we rode an economic rollercoaster through the ups and downs of COVID-19. In my lifetime, I have never seen any force that has been so globally impactful socially and economically. What we have found is this—companies that have found ways to adapt to new market conditions and meet their customers demands, for the most part, are those who have been successful and made it through the pandemic—many having banner years.
The reason I qualified with “most” is sometimes market conditions just shift too dramatically. Referencing the travel, hospitality, and food & beverage industries. In October in the United States, over 60,000 airline workers were laid off as a result of crushing COVID impact in the travel industry. Layoffs were necessary and airline industries are looking to circle the planes hoping for a quick resolve of COVID-19 and back to “a new normal.” This phrase, “a new normal” has been used way too much but it speaks to the fact that we will enter new standards with:
• Infrastructure. Internet importance has been even more pronounced as we have moved to virtual offices. Just like electrification changed our way of life, the internet is the digital highway for us to communicate and conduct business. Every region in the IDAHO KNOWLEDGE REPORT 2020 (IKR) has said that internet connectivity is a top priority. • Housing. We know that Idaho continues to be one of the top growth states in the country. This growth continues to put pressure on several communities in Idaho as some areas have seen year-over-year housing prices grow at 21%. • Talent. The demands of several innovative industries across Idaho demand science and innovative skills. To meet future demand, we must continue to build strong traditional and alternative educational pathways. • Immigration. With COVID-19 and social unrest, specifically in some of the larger cities in the northwest and western US, we have seen immigration to Idaho from several areas—specifically California, Seattle, and Portland. Also, immigration has brought talent. Several open tech jobs in the state have had talent applicants from outside of Idaho looking to move to our state. • Capital and Entrepreneur Focus. All six economic regions are looking to build entrepreneurial activity and increase capital investment to help companies in their regions grow.
At the heart of 2020 are two key points. First, the quality of life we have in Idaho is in high demand. Second, at the center of innovation and a strong ecosystem is the entrepreneur who is taking risk to build new products and services to meet customer demand. The risk taken is vital to the Idaho system and way of life. We must grow entrepreneur and intrapreneur support in Idaho.
We hope that 2021 will be a strong year for Idaho with innovation and building a stronger, more vibrant economy. While we grow innovation, we must keep the Idaho way of life at the heart of our focus—which helps us take care of each other and take care of the beauty of Idaho.
Keep INNOVATING,
Jay Larsen President & Chief Executive Officer Idaho Technology Council
2020 4 Before COVID-19, we were dealing with the opportunities and challenges of growth. Now, during the pandemic, we are dealing with the same issue. More and more people are moving to Idaho.
The global pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for our citizens and businesses. The year 2020 has been filled with uncertainty on many fronts, but one thing is clear – Idaho’s economy is performing remarkable well, thanks in large part to Idaho businesses. They have demonstrated great resiliency and agility during the pan- demic, and they have done an incredible job protecting workers and patrons.
Before COVID-19, we were dealing with the opportunities and challenges of growth. Now, during the pandemic, we are dealing with the same issue. More and more people are moving to Idaho.
The growth assures us we are doing a lot of things right - governing with responsibility, maintaining a high quality of life, and listening to businesses about what they need (and don’t need) from government.
Our rapid growth also challenges political and economic leaders to help replace tra- ditional jobs by supporting an ecosystem where our technology industry can thrive. A diversified economy is a strong economy, and our success as a state depends on the success of our knowledge-based businesses.
I appreciate the work of the Idaho Technology Council in assembling leaders in in- dustry, education, and workforce development to meet the needs of a growing tech industry in Idaho. The Idaho Knowledge Report recognizes different parts of the state have different needs. Thank you to all those who participate in these efforts. I person- ally appreciate the time and talent you dedicate to developing strategies that result in industry-leading products and services right here in Idaho. Your work is creating more opportunity for the citizens of our great state.
Sincerely,
Brad Little Governor of Idaho
IDAHO KNOWL REPORT EDGE 5 Emsi Headquarters Moscow, Idaho
IDAHO’S TECH CLUSTER AND DISPERSING NATIONAL TALENT Written by: Drew Repp
Last December Brookings released ment, urban placemaking, and busi- The state’s growth isn’t merely due a report titled The Case for Growth ness financing to go along with regu- to the national or superstar city tech Centers: How to spread tech inno- latory and tax benefits. trends either. Competitive effect in- vation across America. The report’s It’s an interesting idea, the efficacy dicates how much of the job change premise is that while the tech and of which I’m sure can be debated. within a given region is the result of innovation sector is responsible for But the end goal is a worthy one, and some unique competitive advantage so much job growth and prosperity, much needed. But in the absence of of the region. Competitive effect those benefits are greatly concentrat- such a program (and for those not se- measures the job change that occurs ed in a few coastal markets (Seattle, lected were it to ever happen), how within a regional industry that can- Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, can states, regions, and communities not be explained by broader trends. and San Jose). And as the sector con- capture more of the tech industry Over the last 10 years Idaho has add- tinues to grow, it isn’t bringing the growth and recognize more of the ed roughly 1,300 digital service jobs rest of the country along with it. That benefits? more than expected based on the na- is, these metros’ share of tech sec- To a large degree Idaho has been tional growth and its industry mix. Put tor growth far outpaces other met- succeeding at this. Using the same another way, the state’s tech industry ros and regions. From 2005 to 2017, digital service industry cluster defi- is growing its competitive advantage. these five metros increased their nition as Brookings, Idaho has add- There are various reasons for this share of the nation’s total innovation ed more than 4,600 tech jobs since growth and strength, but one is that employment from 17.6% to 22.8%, 2010. That’s 84% growth, which far the necessary workforce is attract- according to the report. exceeds the national growth rate of ed to opportunities and the quality To combat this concentration (and 59%. The compound annual growth of life here. The low cost of living is the divergent path that much of the rate (CAGR) for tech jobs in Idaho also eye-popping to those coming rest of the country is on), the authors over that time is 6.3%. Additionally, from major tech markets. Each year propose designating eight to 10 new individual metros have fared well. Emsi produces a Talent Attraction regional “growth centers” across the Unsurprisingly, the Boise MSA had Scorecard that ranks how communi- heartland. These centers (through a 86% growth with a 6.4% CAGR. In ties are doing in their effort to attract competitive process) would receive the last five years, the Coeur d’Alene and develop talent. Idaho’s four large massive infusions of federal dollars MSA has seen a 33% growth with a counties (those over 100,000 in pop- towards R&D, workforce develop- 5.8% CAGR. ulation) have each steadily risen in language of skills. It’s why we are so invested in skills data; constantly ex- perimenting and innovating with new tools to help people put their skills to OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS IDAHO work and businesses find the people HAS ADDED ROUGHLY 1,300 DIGITAL they need. Welcoming, even actively SERVICE JOBS MORE THAN EXPECTED recruiting, tech talent that goes on the move in the wake of COVID is BASED ON THE NATIONAL GROWTH a smart strategy. But organizations AND ITS INDUSTRY MIX. PUT ANOTHER such as Idaho Technology Council WAY, THE STATE’S TECH INDUSTRY and others will be wise to continue fostering the skills of its homegrown IS GROWING ITS COMPETITIVE talent. ADVANTAGE. In a followup to their report in early March, The Case for Growth Center authors provided some addition- al data on the tech agglomeration occurring in coastal cities and con- the rankings since 2016. Out of 601 people and companies sticking with cluded: “What is increasingly clear, large counties nationwide, Ada and the model as we move beyond the though, is that tech-based growth neighboring Canyon counties have pandemic. will likely not diffuse out into Amer- climbed to No. 14 from No. 77 and The most conclusive data (address ica’s up-and-coming midsized cities No. 67 from No. 113, respectively. changes on IRS tax returns and U.S. and small towns on its own.” This may Kootenai County has risen to No. 82 Census Bureau surveys) on migration be true. But the authors had no way from No. 173, and Bonneville County isn’t available yet. But data such as of knowing the deep and far-reach- to No. 138, up from No. 200. home searches on real estate plat- ing implications of the pandemic As remote work has become more forms and USPS mail forwarding re- that were on the horizon. While tech popular, it’s become more common quests indicate that the pandemic worker migration won’t be substan- for workers to take their jobs with has spurred a spike in migration out tial enough to evenly spread out tech them as they escape major markets. of large metros. This, combined with cluster prosperity, it potentially could Publications from The Wall Street remote work’s acceptance and the disperse a bit the primary need for Journal to local newspapers have growing attractiveness of alternative tech and innovation: talent. As a re- profiled individuals and families mov- markets, is a star alignment for Idaho. sult, Idaho, which is already up-and- ing to the likes of Boise, Denver, and Already with existing momentum in coming, is in position to harness one Tulsa. According to American Com- growing the tech cluster, competi- of the few bright spots of 2020. munity Survey data, 6.1% of Idaho’s tive cost of living and high quality of workforce was remote in 2019. This life, the state is now presented with a ties it with Arizona for the seventh vastly larger pool of talent to access highest percentage in the country. and keep fueling its tech sector. In But of all the things 2020 has been, short, capturing tech workers as they its role as an accelerator will perhaps move on from superstar cities and be one of its most lasting character- major metros presents a unique op- istics. The pandemic has made re- portunity for the tech and innovation mote work ubiquitous and rapidly scene in Idaho. accelerated its rise and acceptance. Of course, talent attraction is just Roles in tech, the creative industries, one side of the talent development and other knowledge-based fields coin. The innumerable workforce, were already remote-capable, but training, and education programs until the pandemic many employers need to continually adapt to create hadn’t given their blessing to such the ecosystem to support tech and employees working offsite. However, innovation talent. At Emsi, we believe employers have now seen how effec- one of the best ways to do this is to get Drew Repp tive and productive remote employ- employers, people, and educational Content Manager, ees can be and it’s easy to envision programs all speaking the common Community Insights, | Emsi The J.R. Simplot Corporate Headquarters
CREATING AND PROTECTING INNOVATIONS DURING CHALLENGING TIMES Written by: Vid Mohan-Ram
From an intellectual property point of view, the pandemic has quickened ingenuity. At the J.R. Simplot Compa- ny, for example, we accelerated our A RECENT MARKET VALUATION efforts this summer to make a new SURVEY CONCLUDED THAT french fry batter adapted to the deliv- ery food sector to help our restaurant “COVID-19 HAS ACCELERATED customers transition from dine-in to THE TREND OF INCREASING delivery and take-out in response to [INTANGIBLE ASSET MARKET COVID-19. Companies everywhere continue to put more and more effort VALUE] SHARE WITH INTANGIBLE in encouraging employees to be cre- ASSETS NOW COMMANDING OVER ative and voice their ideas, especially 90% OF THE S&P500 MARKET now. On this point, a recent market VALUE”. THE SURVEYORS SAY valuation survey concluded that THE INCREASED RELIANCE ON “COVID-19 has accelerated the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AS A trend of increasing [intangible asset VALUE GENERATOR... market value] share with intangible assets now commanding over 90% of the S&P500 market value”1. The surveyors say the increased reliance
1 Intangible Asset Market Value Study (https://www.oceantomo.com/intangible-asset-market-value-study) - Ocean Tomo is an intellectual property firm that provides various services centered on intellectual property assets. on intellectual property as a value generator also holds true for the S&P Europe 350 index as well “with an in- crease from 71% in 2015 to 74% in 2020.” PATENT RIGHTS AND TRADE SECRETS Overall, that’s staggering news: it CAN BE WIPED OUT BY PREMATURE means that in 2020, this year of crisis, DISCLOSURE, USE OR COMMERCIAL employee creativity is being tapped more than ever, everywhere. A few ACTIVITY. LIKEWISE, BLUEPRINTS CAN decades ago, company market value BE COPIED, BRANDS COUNTERFEITED, resided in land-ownings, brick-and- AND TRADEMARK-DOMAIN NAMES mortar facilities and other tangibles. The survey results underscore the TAKEN, IF TIMELY STEPS AREN’T TAKEN importance the state of Idaho has AHEAD OF PRODUCTION, MARKETING in continuing to attract talented and AND SALES. creative minds. And corresponding- ly we need the legal community to continue to advise and educate the business and research sectors about how to turn that creativity into valu- from making, using, or selling that to what will naturally be a stressful able assets – and consequently boost idea, or prevent someone from mis- operating environment during pro- the economy. using confidential information. For longed emergencies. Working under pressure can yield patented ideas, this legal monopoly The Governor said in his address quick-paced, design-thinking-style is limited in time and it therefore be- that “[A] diversified economy is a ideas and prototypes. But with haste hooves the patent owner to commer- strong economy”2. Along those comes mistakes. In the context of IP, cially exploit their legal rights while lines then: a diversified company is mistakes can be fatal. Patent rights that monopoly exists. For ideas that a strong company. Specifically, from and Trade Secrets can be wiped out are kept in-house as trade secrets, it’s my IP law perspective, an Idaho com- by premature disclosure, use or com- critical for the owner to know how to pany with a diversified portfolio of mercial activity. Likewise, blueprints keep prying eyes out and loose lips intangible assets and a sound un- can be copied, brands counterfeited, shut. derstanding of its diverse suite of in- and trademark-domain names taken, Not every idea however is protect- tellectual property rights, is a strong if timely steps aren’t taken ahead of able. A company must be aware of and formidable one – one that will production, marketing and sales. It is what IP rights are, and are not, avail- remain so before, during – and after therefore crucial to have processes in able to them. This knowledge helps – any crisis. place to identify and strategically de- structure business plans and re- cide what next steps, if any, to take, search strategies. Appreciating what while under pressure to act quickly the suite of IP rights looks like for and to supply goods and services your company helps prioritize your before risk losing out to a competitor. IP needs and establish your in-house The reason it is critical for busi- practices. It also helps leadership ness leaders to be cognizant about appreciate external IP risks. Doing timing is because IP helps to protect this IP housekeeping ahead of time ideas from unauthorized exploita- makes a company all the more ready tion. When done timely, a perfected to act nimbly and trigger its IP op- IP right gives its owner the powerful tions in a proactive and orderly way capability to legally exclude others without adding complexity or anxiety
Vid Mohan-Ram Governor Little’s Letter, Nov-16, 2020 Chief IP Counsel, J.R. Simplot Company REGION REPORTS
TOP 3 TRANSFORMATIVE INDUSTRIES AND SUMMARY NORTHERN IDAHO
Region 1 - Top 3 Transformative Industries
HOSPITALITY, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, AND HEALTH SERVICES
Northern The North Idaho region, composed of five rural counties, has an amazing capacity to transform and leap Region 1 its economy forward. Over the last four decades, the region has more than doubled its population, going from 120,000 in 1980 to over 250,000 in 2020, with the greatest area of growth lying in the Coeur d’Alene/ Post Falls area in Kootenai County (population 180,000). Its first transformational change happened nearly four decades ago, with its latest transformational leap just beginning.
HOSPITALITY. Historically, a mining, timber, and velopments around the lake front in industry. The luxurious Coeur d’Alene agricultural region, North Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene including the Coeur Resort and its world-renowned float- first transformative industry is the d’Alene Resort, the City and McEuen ing green continues to bring visitors hospitality industry. Without this Parks, Northwest Blvd, the Educa- and conference attendees to the re- transformation in the 80’s, the Coeur tion Corridor, and Riverstone—have gion and serves as the starting point d’Alene area would have remained a not only physically transformed the for countless recreational opportuni- small, rural community with a limited area and the region, they have also ties throughout North Idaho. economic base and declining pop- spurred an economic transforma- As a bonus, the region sees this ulation. Instead, the region moved tion that continues to this day. The industry as a recruitment tool to at- forward to transform itself and cata- strong growth of retail businesses, tracting young professionals, as well lyze an economic boom. The industry restaurants and services that fol- as growing a Gig economy in the re- continues to be a major contributor lowed contributed to the area’s ap- gion. With the proliferation of ‘work and driver for the region’s and state’s peal to tourists, families, retirees, and from home’ options as a result of the economy today. In 2001, the industry businesses. Events sponsored by global pandemic, we expect the re- accounted for 8% of the workforce in the Coeur d’Alene Chamber and its gion to become a hub for telecom- North Idaho; now it accounts for 11% partner chambers across the region, muters, especially because of our of the total workforce, showing a shift ranging from the high school home- proximity to the Seattle area and its of 3% in under 20 years, and signi- coming parades to the world-class large and growing high-tech sector. fying the second highest workforce IronMan competition, from local The region will continue to look be- shift in the region, second only to the farmers markets to juried art shows, yond its current needs, and to dream health industry. continue to attract people from big and pursue that dream with gus- The dramatic urban renewal de- across the globe to strengthen the to! and services to industries, globally; panding the supply chain to deriva- ADVANCED while providing excellent wages and tive industries. For example, medical MANUFACTURING/ benefits, and good opportunities for device and aerospace manufactur- AEROSPACE AND AVIATION skilled workers, locally. ing have parallels because they both SECTOR. The manufacturing industry’s part- have exacting standards; so, with the In parallel to growing the hospi- nership with education –especial- large demand for medical device tality industry, in 1987, business and ly technical training—helps fuel the manufacturing because of the pan- community leaders established Jobs growth. Extremely receptive to indus- demic, local businesses took advan- Plus, Inc. (dba CdAEDC) to actively try needs, North Idaho College, has a tage of the countless opportunities recruit small manufacturing business- 5-year old, state of the art, 100,000SF by pivoting and including medical es to help diversify and re-invigorate technical training center, that sits manufacturing to their customer mix. the economy. Since then, nearly 150 next to the Kootenai Technical Edu- small businesses have been actively cation Center focused on high school HEALTH SERVICES. recruited to the region, creating well technical training for Kootenai Coun- Most recently, transformational over 7,500 direct jobs and at least ty students. Both facilities were indus- growth is happening in the region’s twice as many indirect jobs, while try-led and community-supported. health industry, spurred by major bringing in hundreds of millions of Constant innovation, evolutions in expansions and changes at our com- capital investment into the region. technology, and improving process- munity-owned hospital, Kootenai These actively recruited businesses es in the manufacturing industry en- Health (KH). Two of the objectives are just a fraction of the existing busi- sures continued growth and makes were to consolidate services across ness who have expanded and new this a good industry focus for devel- North Idaho and prevent health in- businesses who have moved into the oping technology skills in the work- dustry economic leakage, with the region to call North Idaho home. force. overall mission of providing a “com- Manufacturing accounts for 10% of Over the last decade, the aero- prehensive range of medical services the CdA MSA’s workforce, and near- space and aviation sector has grown to patients in north Idaho, eastern ly 10% of the region’s gross regional significantly because of the region’s Washington, Montana and the Inland product. The industry includes a wide proximity to Boeing in the Sea-Tac NW in several facility locations.” The mix of manufacturers, from small area, and the I90 transportation cor- changes have created a comprehen- suppliers of nuts and bolts to large ridor that makes the joint CdA and sive network of services all available multi-national companies that cus- Spokane MSAs a major part of the within the region, supporting high tomize equipment from major OEMs industry’s supply chain. Four years wages and training, and further ex- (original equipment manufacturers). ago, the inland NW established the pansion opportunities. Examples of businesses include: Em- I90 Aerospace Conference and Expo, In the last five years, Kootenai pire Airlines, Daher/Quest Aviation, attracting over 250 attendees, 50+ Health expanded the east wing, with Aerocet, Unitech Composites, Ad- exhibitors, and speakers from Boe- a 100,000 SF expansion housing, vanced Thermo Composites, Stan- ing, SpaceX, Bombardier, the Idaho NICU, a Family Birth Center, orthope- Craft Aviation, Dauntless Air, Rocky and Pacific Northwest National Lab- dics and a new lobby; enlarged the Mountain Construction, Bayshore, oratories, and other OEMs and pri- facilities in Post Falls; upgraded the GroundForce, Kochava, Pipl, Chief mary suppliers to the aerospace and emergency department with state- Architect, X-Craft, Rohini, Continu- aviation industry. With the exacting of-the-art changes; and adopted the ous Composites and many others. standards and precision machining EPIC medical software to integrate in- Together these companies produce employed by our companies, there formation with its various clinic part- and deliver specialized products is a large potential for growth by ex- ners across the region. Just the soft- ware adoption alone, created 80 new jobs in the hospital. SUMMARY Moreover, Kootenai Clinic’s expanded services continue Underlying the region’s transformational growth are to allow residents to get top notch health care without the shifts in the use of technology, whether it’s in the heri- having to leave home. tage industries of mining and timber or high-tech fields of Overall, healthcare and social assistance jobs nearly advanced manufacturing or healthcare. The area’s great doubled between 2001 and 2019, accounting for 7.2% of fiber backbone (the IRON system that joins Idaho’s univer- the workforce in 2001 to 11.2% in 2019, showing the high- sities with the Idaho National Laboratory) and the growth est workforce shift of 4% over the 19-year period amongst of related academic and technology programs at Idaho’s all industries. The expansion has fueled the growth of the universities and colleges along with nearby eastern Wash- health services industry, attracting more private providers ington institutions has enabled industries in the region to in the region –particularly the area surrounding KH, and grow –with available training ranging from basic coding to contributing immensely to increasing average wages in repair systems to cybersecurity and advanced program- the area. Average wages at KH is nearly $60,000 a year. ming. Support systems, including telecom companies that In addition to KH, Northwest Specialty Hospital (NWSH), provide broadband to residences and businesses, have physician owned private hospital; and Heritage Health also furthered the growth in the region, with CARES fund- (HH), a non-profit health facility making health care ac- ing allowing for “last mile” transmission in many rural ar- cessible and affordable for everyone, have also shown in- eas. These changes continue to transform the labor pool credible growth. NWSH expanded its facility in Post Falls; in the region, requiring more training and resulting in sig- and HH is currently looking for a larger facility. Northern nificantly better wages. Idaho Advanced Care Hospital, an Ernest Health System Furthermore, North Idaho’s job and population growth, hospital providing long-term acute care; and the Panhan- combined with its prime location at the intersection of I90 dle Area Health District also saw increased patient loads. and US 95, gives the region east-west and north-south The recent approval of the Health Corridor Urban Re- access across the North American continent and beyond, newal District, surrounding Kootenai Health, will provide supports continued growth in various industries, along additional stimulus to create an even stronger health in- with distribution and warehousing to service the growing dustry. The objective is to develop 259 acres around the northwest and Canadian southwest, and professional and hospital to spur economic development by attracting and financial support services and construction to keep up clustering high-paying medical jobs and improving the with the growth. area’s infrastructure to boost growth in related sectors, The North Idaho region is expected to continue to grow; both for vertical integration and horizontal supply chain and according to economist, the entire Pacific Northwest options. The area is currently dotted with vacant lots, un- has withstood the ravages of the pandemic better than derutilized land, and deteriorating buildings. The plan is most regions. With vaccine availability in sight, projected to attract medical service businesses into this area to cre- growth in the work-from-home sector, and business shifts ate a medical center and hub for doctors, services, and from urban to suburban, North Idaho expects continued specialties, further strengthening the region. As a bonus transformational growth in the future. for the region’s educational focus, this growth is expected to translate to additional health programs in our educa- tion system, thus furthering growth, and job opportunities for residents of the area. SNAPSHOT STRENGTHS, CHALLENGES, VISIONARY GOALS REGION 1 Gynii Gilliam, Jobs Plus Inc Ryan Arnold, Regional Director of Entrepreneurship, North Idaho College
STRENGTHS: Idaho is a nationally recognized out- of the city of Coeur D’Alene’s Health door mecca for those looking for Corridor Project, whose purpose is easy access to outdoor activities, to greatly expand health services in Business Friendly wide-open spaces, and scenic vistas. the region, and the proximity to Spo- Matched with local communities that kane’s health care services, includ- Climate support and invest in parks and ac- ing two new medical schools, North tive lifestyles, along with vibrant art Idaho is well positioned to continue With a mix of local and state tax in- and culture scenes, North Idaho is access to world-class healthcare ser- centives, responsive workforce edu- an increasingly popular choice for vices into the future. cational programs to support busi- companies and employees alike who nesses, and a focus on future-friendly are looking for a strong work/life bal- infrastructure that supports business CHALLENGES: ance. growth, North Idaho is a region that is highly attractive for businesses to Affordable Housing. start, expand, and relocate. In addi- Access to Quality tion, due to the unique combination As an attractive destination for life- of North Idaho’s independent and Healthcare and style enthusiasts, retirees, and a entrepreneurial spirit, mixed with a Services. strong workforce, North Idaho hous- strong sense of community and sup- ing prices have continued to rise, port, North Idaho has become a cata- The quality of a community is intrinsic- making housing affordability a key lyst for new innovations, companies, ally tied to its access to quality health- challenge. COVID-19 accelerated and ideas to flourish. care and health services, for which, the trend further, with more people North Idaho is widely recognized. moving into the area and housing High quality of life/ Kootenai Health, a Mayo Clinic affili- prices rising over 11.4% in 2020. ated hospital, is the region’s largest Municipal government and private outdoor lifestyle, medical center, whose consistency industry have responded with sets environment. is recognized nationally for the com- of policies and efforts that have en- prehensive and quality medical ser- couraged an increase in building vices it provides. Three other hospi- North Idaho is known for its direct stock to help reduce upward pres- tals in the Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls connection to the natural environ- sure on the housing market. This has area --Northwest Specialty Hospital, ment and the many outdoor recrea- included loosening restrictions and North Idaho Advanced Care Hospi- tional opportunities available for providing incentives for actions such tal, and Heritage Health, along with residents and visitors, as a four-sea- as development infill, ADU’s, and the a host of rural clinics provide a host son destination. With over a hun- “missing middle housing” which can of comprehensive services for the re- dred lakes, three ski mountains, and encourage a wider range of housing gion. Paired with the recent approval access to two national forests, North stock for residents. VISIONARY GOALS: met. North Idaho has a long history Competitive Wages. of supporting inclusionary efforts with groups like the human rights in- In comparison to the US and even Increased Economic stitute, but there is more work to be other Idaho regions, North Idaho’s done to address social and economic mean hourly wage is consistent- Development Activity inequality to ensure we remain wel- ly below average, placing 41% of coming to all. regional households in the ALICE and Diversity. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, North Idaho’s long-term goal is to Employed) population or below continue to diversify its economy by Strong Future the poverty line. In response, com- strengthening its economic base and panies are increasing wages to be Growth Planning creating new sectors. More specific- more competitive to neighboring ally, the region is strengthening ex- to Strengthen our WA’s minimum wage hikes; even isting industries by working on pro- then, nearly 15,000 North Idahoans Communities. grams and forums that help complete still commute to Washington border vertical and horizontal integration communities such as Spokane, where Our third ‘visionary goal priority” is to (supply chains) in its manufacturing, state policies create higher entry level ensure that we’re addressing future distribution, technology and health wages that are higher. Organizations growth. The Coeur d’Alene/Spokane industries. Additionally, the region such as CdAEDC, United Way, Idaho MSA is in the top 25% of growing is collaborating to provide better Labor, and private employment ser- regions in the US. In order to stay support for entrepreneurial/business vices continue to bring attention to ahead of this growth, the region is start-ups, remote work, and a strong the issue and educate employers to working on various projects that in- Gig economy, whether it’s through develop programs to advance edu- clude comprehensive planning to shared work spaces or shared equip- cation, income and health programs address water and sewer needs, land ment through NIC Ventures, Gizmo, in the region. use and zoning to address best use, Innovation Den, Bonners Ferry Busi- last mile broadband for connectivity, ness Center, PAC, SBDC and many transportation expansions to miti- K-12+ Educational others. gate traffic over the next 20 years, Investment. along with ways to address housing Educational and health needs for our growing population. Our goal is to balance Idaho continually ranks low on its this growth with environmental con- investment in K-12 education in re- Opportunities cerns to keep habitat intact in our lation to other states, with implica- to Create a various lakes, protect one of the lar- tions in providing a competitive edu- gest underground aquifers serving cational experience for our region’s More Equitable both North Idaho and eastern Wash- youth. In response, North Idaho con- Community. ington, and preserve the region’s nat- tinues to invest and support educa- ural beauty. But it goes beyond that, tional programs and opportunities As the region grows, our long-term our future also includes caring for the that prepare students for future ca- goals include creating a more so- health of our citizens –from mental reers and industries. This includes cially and economically equitable health resources to social services STEM education programs such as community. Continued investment for the most vulnerable, to devel- makerspace GIZMO-CDA and the in education is a way to elevate the oping community trails for a healthy University of Idaho Dig’nIT program community and provide various ca- lifestyle. Our goal is to embrace the which trains young students in-de- reer pathways for all citizens. Build- growth with strong future planning. mand skills such as computer coding. ing on the coordination between Additionally, North Idaho continues industry and education to keep align- to partner with business and industry ment between workforce skills and to address workforce needs, whether business needs, along with ongoing it’s for more nurses or CNC machine investment in STEAM-based educa- operators; but, more work and pro- tion and technical training are critical. grams are still needed to ensure a Our local efforts in education and up- match between available workforce skilling the current workforce, along skills and industry needs. with the large amount of in-migration ensures that business needs will be NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO
Region 2 - Top 3 Transformative Industries
WINE, CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION, FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY
North Central good frost protection. The soils hold ties. The region is opening two new Region 2 water well and are rich in nutrients. CTE facilities in 2020. One is part of The wine industry is becoming the new Lewiston High School and is more important to the region’s em- named the Neil DeAtley Career Tech- ployment numbers. While employ- nical Education Center. The other, lo- ment numbers are still relatively low cated just a few hundred feet to the compared to the region’s leading north, is the Schweitzer Career and WINE employers, the local wineries and Technical Education Center, part of The Lewis-Clark Valley wine in- vineyards are now employing viti- Lewis-Clark State College’s Technical dustry is transforming both the local culturists, soil scientists, winemakers, & Industrial Division. Together, these economy as well as the Northwest sales professionals, event planners, two facilities will provide a path to ca- wine scene. From its roots in the first property managers, and laborers to reers and talent pipelines. vines planted in the 1870’s, the newly name just a few of the occupations. Lewiston High School and LC State formed LC Valley American Viticultur- Advances in plant and soil science both had good programs in CTE pri- al Area (AVA) now boasts 16 winer- have helped to build the LC Valley or to the building of their new facili- ies, 9 vineyards, 306,000 total acres AVA. The winemakers in the region ties, but both were significantly con- of land, and nearly 100 acres of lo- are extremely educated and knowl- strained by existing classrooms and cally grown grapes. As the LC Valley edgeable about the latest science capacities. New technology was diffi- AVA progresses, it has the very real and technology. The married own- cult to place into old building frame- potential to transform the Valley into ers of the 2020 Northwest Winery of works and the result was programs the leading wine destination in the the Year, Clearwater Canyon Cellars, that could not reach their full poten- Northwest. both have advanced degrees, one tial. The new construction will contain The foundations of the local wine a masters in soil science, the other the technology and equipment need- industry lie in the local geography a PhD in food science. The industry ed by the students to be employable and geology. The differing slopes now requires an advanced level of to area industries. and elevations within the AVA allow skill and knowledge to be successful. Partnerships with area employers for a wide variety of grapes to be has played a large role in the design of grown. The geology provides good CAREER AND TECHNICAL both the facilities and the courses that planting areas that are easy to devel- EDUCATION will be taught within them. The results op and contain air drainage charac- The Career and Technical Educa- will provide pipelines of qualified tal- teristics that are ideal for grapes. The tion (CTE) providers in the region are ent that will be ready to work for local steep sides of the valleys provide transforming educational opportuni- employers. The DeAtley Center will pull students at the high school level This system takes a cross sectional SUMMARY from all of Idaho Education Region 2, scan of the log, doing a full digital Underlying the region’s transfor- not just local Lewiston students. Thus, reconstruction and virtual grading. mational growth are the shifts in the more rural schools will have every From this scan a 100% optimum the use of technology, whether it’s chance to advance their students at cutting solution can be obtained in the heritage industries of mining a higher level of CTE instruction. The based on the highest value of the fi- and timber or high-tech fields of ad- Schweitzer Center for LC State is set nal product. Size and position of any vanced manufacturing or healthcare. up to be a destination for CTE stu- defects in the log can be determined The area’s great fiber backbone (the dents from the entire Northwest and and then processed. Each log can IRON system that joins Idaho’s uni- beyond. Such programs as CNC ma- be maximized for the highest quali- versities with the Idaho National Lab- chining, industrial electronics tech- ty and resale. Systems like this one oratory) and the growth of related nology, instrumentation, HVAC, and drive down the amount of unusable academic and technology programs auto mechanics will be taught there. waste and drive up the value of each at Idaho’s universities and colleges The building itself is set up as a “liv- log entering the system. along with nearby eastern Wash- ing textbook”, with many of the Cen- Clearwater is the only paper mill ington institutions has enabled in- ter’s systems remaining visible to the in the State of Idaho. The Lewiston dustries in the region to grow –with students so they can view, trace and mill manufactures both tissue prod- available training ranging from basic study such features as HVAC piping, ucts and fine bleached paperboard coding to repair systems to cyberse- electrical and cabling runs, and floor products. The papermakers on the curity and advanced programming. joists. paperboard side of the business are Support systems, including telecom Local employers, especially man- constantly looking to optimize and companies that provide broadband ufacturing employers, have strug- improve their products. Their latest to residences and businesses have gled to find and retain workers in the success is a new brand of cup stock also furthered the growth in the re- skilled trades. Both new facilities will paperboard called NuVo. Clearwater gion, with CARES funding allowing allow local and regional students to has traditionally used only virgin fiber for “last mile” transmission in many find the path to quality careers while in its paperboard, but it pivoted to rural areas. These changes continue remaining close to home. Employ- meet the needs of its customers with to transform the labor pool in the re- ers have traditionally had to leave NuVo, which contains 32% post-con- gion, requiring more training and re- the region to find enough qualified sumer recycled fiber. This allows sulting in significantly better wages. applicants for open positions in the customers to have the best of both Furthermore, North Idaho’s job and trades. These new CTE centers and worlds: a cup made from recycled fi- population growth, combined with its the innovation they represent will ber that still maintains the brightness prime location at the intersection of make a huge difference for local tal- and printability of virgin fiber. This I90 and US 95, gives the region east- ent pipelines. new product is distinct within the in- west and north-south access across dustry. the North American continent and FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY While the technology involved beyond, supports continued growth The forest products industry in this in the transformations at both IFG in various industries, along with dis- region has used technology and in- and Clearwater do not necessarily tribution and warehousing to service novation to ensure its local business- increase the number of employees the growing northwest and Canadi- es will remain as industry leaders. on the site, the innovations do en- an southwest, and professional and Both Idaho Forest Group (IFG) and sure that both companies remain as financial support services and con- Clearwater Paper Corporation (Clear- leaders of their respective industries. struction to keep up with the growth. water) have developed practices and This fact ensures the stability of the The North Idaho region is expect- products that have transformed the important jobs that form the basis of ed to continue to grow; and accord- industry. the manufacturing sector of Region ing to economist, the entire Pacific IFG has upgraded its Lewiston mill 2, thus retaining the high-quality jobs Northwest has withstood the ravages to include a CT log scanning system. within the LC Valley. of the pandemic better than most regions. With vaccine availability in sight, projected growth in the work- from-home sector, and business shifts from urban to suburban, we expect continued transformational growth in North Idaho. SNAPSHOT STRENGTHS, CHALLENGES, VISIONARY GOALS REGION 2 Scott Corbitt, Valley Vision Economic Development Lewis-Clark Valley Gina Taruscio, The Partnership for Economic Prosperity
STRENGTHS: average infrastructure, but no con- nectivity exists between the cities or into much of the more rural coun- Access to Talent. and Clearwater Rivers to the soils ties in the region. Currently there are and topography supporting the wine pending projects and grant requests industry, the natural resources make The region is fortunate to boast the to help to solve this challenge. Region 2 a unique location. 6th highest concentration of college graduates in America. These gradu- Access to Capital. ates come from the University of Transportation. Idaho, Washington State University, North Central Idaho boasts the 6th Lewis-Clark State College and Walla North Central Idaho’s economy is highest concentration of college Walla Community College’s Clark- supported by a multi modal system graduates in America. This level of ston, Washington campus. These of transportation that includes air, education will bring with it an entre- schools provide graduates in both ground, rail, and barge. The region preneurial attitude that can only be the technical and liberal arts to sup- contains two regional airports, ma- met with capital funds or angel in- ply local employers with ready and jor highways travelling both north- vestors. The region currently does qualified applicants. Combined with south and east-west, rail lines to take not have a ready supply of investors the recent advances in Career and manufactured products to market to take advantage of this strength. Technical Education availability, Re- and barge traffic on the Snake to con- gion 2 has access to talent that is un- nect the furthest inland seaport in the usual for a largely rural region with West with the opportunities across Affordable Housing. low population. the Pacific and within the western states While improving, North Central Natural Resources. Idaho still lacks adequate affordable CHALLENGES: housing to support its workforce. Rental housing is scarce and entry- North Central Idaho is blessed with level homes are often out of reach for an abundance of natural resources Availability of baseline employees. Recent arrivals that supports the local economy. from the west coast have created a From the fertile rolling hills of the Pal- Broadband. real estate market with significantly ouse to the forests on state, federal increased home prices making first- and private lands to the water flow- North Central Idaho is largely rural time home buying difficult. ing through the region in the Snake and access to world-class broadband is limited. The larger towns such as Moscow and Lewiston have above VISIONARY GOALS:
Access to Talent. Access to Capital. Access to Property.
Utilizing the Talent Pipeline Manage- North Central Idaho needs a source North Central Idaho is ready for ment framework, North Central Idaho of funding and investment to assist an influx of technology companies can create partnerships between em- the entrepreneurs who are develop- to bolster the economy, but these ployers and educators to provide ing the innovative ideas that will be- moves are often prevented by the specifically qualified candidates for come the businesses of tomorrow. lack of availability of suitable com- employers. With the impending wave An innovation hub that contains an mercial property. The goal is to free of retirements and the projected gap access to potential capital would cre- up suitable property to offer for sale in available workers for open pos- ate an avenue for economic growth or lease to these businesses looking itions, these pipelines can ensure within our current population. This to relocate. both a full team for businesses and hub could also serve as a home for an actively employed and qualified remote workers already relocat- workforce. ing within the region. The coming together of these different faces of business will create collaboration and opportunity. SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO
Region 3 - Top 3 Transformative Industries
HEATH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES, SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY, MANUFACTURING
Southwestern have to do with strategic program of the global health crisis than those Region design and investments. operating by way of more traditional Telehealth, in many respects, dove- models. tails with considerations having to Finding answers, developing cre- do with community and population ative solutions and cultivating a health and historic inequities that workforce equipped to deliver those these approaches can begin to ad- solutions while tackling the thorny HEATH CARE AND SOCIAL dress. In our part of the state and problems of affordability are the SERVICES. country, there are as well the unique challenges of our time – and our re- Long viewed as ripe for disrup- considerations of rural areas and gion – in health care. Answers are tion, health care and social services communities. most likely to emerge through part- are likely to be significant catalysts And there are the significant, and nerships and collaborations; health for transformation and innovation in largely unknown, aftereffects to hun- care is likely to be, accordingly, an ex- southwestern Idaho – and through- dreds of people who have contracted citing industry to watch in the coming out the state – as our region and the COVID. Medical science continues to year and beyond. globe navigate historic times. learn about this pernicious virus dai- Hospitals and health systems have ly, and damage to hearts, lungs and INDUSTRY 4.0. been transforming themselves for neurological systems, among the lin- Combining emerging, connected the past several years; mergers, ac- gering effects of this novel coronavi- and smart technologies to digital- quisitions and consolidations have rus, are expected to consume signif- ly transform industry. Industry 4.0 been slowed by the economics of icant resources, even as many have is fourth revolution that is based on the COVID-19 pandemic, but are not lost jobs and employer-sponsored data, connectivity, calculation power likely to cease. Care providers, who health insurance. The costs of health and technology combined with com- had been wading into telehealth be- care must be addressed; hospitals mercial solutions. It is an approach fore the pandemic, found themselves and health systems that before the that uses advanced technologies to needing to accelerate their digital pandemic had moved vigorously into reinvent products and services from programs and services, and there is the value space are positioned more design and engineering to manufac- no turning back now. Questions will solidly to negotiate the uncertainties turing support, accelerating opera- tional efficiency and enterprise-wide unprecedented insights generated. and schools. This will in turn support growth. Less than 20% of business- This increase of data calculation and Idaho’s growing reputation as a great es have realized the full impact of connectivity is also leading to more place to live and raise a family. digital investments, enabling them gamification in many avenues from The second principle lies in the rad- to achieve cost savings and create education to health. Speech recog- ical way manufacturing is changing, growth. A mix of technologies could nition has new possibilities and po- from process to systems, to materials result in large cost savings for com- tential in spaces that were previously and of course the skills and knowl- panies. The traditional value chain unthinkable. edge required of those making the will pivot toward personalized expe- We are already seeing a shift in fo- change. These changes are being fu- riences, products and services driven cus and skill sets needed for talent. eled by creative activities in science by innovative business models that Engineers need to understand how and engineering resulting in new result in new sources of revenue. the data can improve their efficiency; technologies that are reinventing in- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet IT members need to enable the en- dustry and creating new ones. And of Things (IoT), Machine to Machine gineers to access the data in an effi- perhaps more importantly doing so communication (M2M), connected cient manner. We are also experienc- in a way that is truly sustainable while hardware and embedded software ing an increase in data related jobs preserving the natural beauty which are the power behind digital reinven- (data analyst, data architect, data is Idaho. tion and enable increased automa- scientist, data engineer) and a reduc- We already have a strong base tion, improved communication and tion of jobs with repetitive content. from which our manufacturing base is self-monitoring, and productions of The exposure to data has never been growing including semiconductors, smart machines that can analyze and larger. In many technology compa- and food processing and agricul- diagnose issues without the need nies there are no jobs left that do turally based product development, for human intervention. Biggest not interface with data. Employees whether that be in specific foods (yo- trends are Smart Factory, Predictive are gradually exposed to more data gurt, sugar, potato, etc.) or in the cre- Maintenance, 3D Printing, and Smart tools and are being trained to deal ation of whole new industries such Sensors. Since connected machines with that. Further, there is an evolu- as breweries and wineries. These in- collect a tremendous volume of data tion of the way people connect with dustries are growing from the great that can inform maintenance, perfor- data. No code and low code software tradition of Idaho industries, as well mance and other issues, as well as enable a smooth connection even as a highly productive workforce, and analyze that data to identify patterns without coding skills. Think of it as agile institutions of higher education and insights that would be impossi- an app on a smart phone where the supporting new, advanced manufac- ble for a human to do in a reason- coding happens behind the screen. turing approaches and techniques able timeframe, Industry 4.0 offers The huge increases in the amount through fundamental research as the opportunity for manufacturers to of data available, the connectivity of well as providing the all-important optimize their operations quickly and machines and tools and the accessi- human resource. Our workers are efficiently by knowing what needs at- bility of the data is driving significant ever-changing being equipped with tention. transformation across many different the skills and knowledge necessary Steam, electricity and robots sectors in our region. to be adaptive, having a questioning changed the previous industrial rev- attitude, in addition to knowing the olutions, now big data is a new re- basics of their field. source identified as the 4th industrial MANUFACTURING revolution. Plenty of data is available Manufacturing has the potential to SUMMARY in industries like the semiconductor transform the Idaho economy around J.R. Simplot, Micron Technology, industry, but only a fraction has been two principles. First is in the creation Hewlett Packard, and Albertsons used because of resource limitations. of stable jobs that will fundamental- Companies - these are legacy compa- Data was handled through engineers ly support the State by providing the nies that shaped the Treasure Valley. with calculation and statistical soft- platform for continued growth across Their leadership brought innovation ware, which drives a major bottle- all sectors. Specifically, this support and vision, along with a strong work neck. With Big Data infrastructure will provide an income base that will ethic, that created a community of and Machine Learning and AI, more drive the development of infrastruc- commerce and entrepreneurship for and more data can be handled and ture, including communities, homes generations to come. Idaho’s strong agricultural roots feed the world, with telehealth, connecting our rural ers. Trailhead and Venture College from Idaho to Vietnam, and contin- areas to top-of-the-line medical care. work together to assist the success ues to expand from food-processing 2020’s COVID pandemic has had a of future entrepreneurs. Our region to food research and development. major effect on business, commer- and state have always been resilient With J.R. Simplot initially leading the cial, medical, and educational inno- and it continues to be so as we grow way, the additional leadership and vation as we all continually change our legacy industries, encourage new ingenuity of Dickinson’s Frozen Food, and adjust our actions to meet the industries to locate here, and inspire Lamb Weston, and Agri Beef brought disruptive demands placed on over- a collective entrepreneurial spirit. us companies with worthwhile com- all society due to the virus. mitment to their industry and com- As our region grows, it brings a new munities. generation of creativity, talent, and What growth and new opportu- opportunities. The Idaho College nities do we see for our region? of Osteopathic Medicine will help Some examples include Albertsons provide additional physicians to our Companies going public, along with state which has suffered from a short- the vigor of new innovators such as age in relation to our overall popula- Kount, Truckstop.com, and Intuit. We tion. Our universities and community have a fantastic opportunity in trans- colleges working hand-in-hand en- forming the state’s healthcare needs sures education for our future lead-
SNAPSHOT STRENGTHS, CHALLENGES, VISIONARY GOALS REGION 3 Kim Kaine, Hawley Troxell Beth Inek, Director Office of Economic Development City of Nampa Charity Nelson, Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP)
STRENGTHS: desert, valley plains and the Payette talent attraction necessary to drive National Forest. This rich landscape an innovative economy. In the age of presents opportunities for outdoor COVID-19 this attractive lifestyle has Lifestyle. enthusiasts. Lifestyle also incorpo- also impacted the attraction of indi- rates the ease of living in Southwest viduals who are now able to bring Over the last several years the Boise Idaho with an average commute time their career with them in a relocation Metro has been on a number nation- of just 18.4 minutes which is shorter to Idaho. al Best of Lists for places to live and than the US average of 26.4 minutes access to outdoor recreation. Across and ranks in the top 10 best com- the nine county region of Southwest mute times in the country based on Industry Clusters. this concept of lifestyle was identified 2017 Census data. The Shakespeare Innovative ecosystem, Research as a growing strength in our efforts to Festival, Freak Alley, Opera Idaho, University, Entrepreneurship, Acces- grow an innovative economy. Natu- and the Treefort Music Festival indi- sible government, business friendly. ral resource amenities are represent- cate a thriving art scene in the region A strong innovative ecosystem has ed across a diverse landscape of high as well. Lifestyle has become an im- been growing in Southwest Idaho portant component in the race for over the last several decades. The WalletHub for their bounce back in longer a nicety but rather a necessity early research and development employment levels between March for both businesses and individuals. conducted by the Simplot Company and August. This is a challenge throughout our to transform the food industry and region but it looks different in urban the innovation work at Micron are CHALLENGES: versus rural areas. The Boise metro just two examples of the early days is well served with broadband. Mul- of this growing knowledge economy tiple fiber loops run through the Val- cluster that has spurred tremendous Skilled workforce ley allowing businesses to access the economic growth throughout South- speed and service that they require. west Idaho. These firms not only and talent attraction Similarly, individuals are able to ac- were leaders in innovation in their cess internet services with multiple To meet needs of innovation econ- industries but have also invested in carriers options. However, the costs omy – 73.3%, Education. From 2014 the university systems that support of service are high, greatly disadvan- to 2019 employment in Region 3 the region. Boise State University taging lower income residents. This grew by 19.1% (compared to 7.9% has become a nationally recognized potentially vulnerable population employment growth rate in the na- research university that feeds the has an even greater need for things tion during that same period). While entrepreneurial ecosystem of the re- like telehealth but may not have the this increase in jobs is a critical ele- gion and supports the research and opportunity to access it due to costs ment in our economic growth and development efforts of industry. The of service. health, it creates challenges for em- accessibility of government officials In more rural parts of Region 3 ployers to find and employ -work from Mayors to the Governor’s office the broadband infrastructure does ers with the right skills and abilities creates a business friendly environ- not exist or is not adequate to meet needed for their positions. Although ment that is attractive to new indus- the needs of those areas. Our re- our region shows education levels tries. Idaho’s knowledge economy sort communities in particular strug- slightly higher than the national av- will continue to thrive and grow with gle because of the influx of visitors. erages there are key areas where we new entrants to the market and the When 20,000 visitors arrive on any do not have enough people with the next generation of companies. given weekend to McCall, Donnelly, required skills. The skilled trades are Cascade, Yellowpine or New Mead- one such area in our Region. Both the ows, broadband access plummets to construction and manufacturing in- Population growth, accommodate visitors, leaving locals dustries are seeing significant growth without critical access. The broad- Immigration. but struggle to find talent with trades band infrastructure needs to be im- skills like equipment maintenance, proved to meet not only the needs Throughout 2020 population CNC machining, HVAC, etc. We do of the base population but also the growth has continued to be a source have some good career technical visitor population. of strength for the region. Business education programs in our region Insider reported that Idaho had the aimed at producing this workforce largest net gain of population growth but we need to see enrollment in Affordability of between March and August 2020 these programs increase significant- with a net gain of 194%. Meridian ly at the high school and community housing and the Boise Metro continue to be college level. among the top 10 fastest growing As high technology companies continues to be a challenge for areas by percentage in the country continue to start and grow in our area Southwestern Idaho. Although our each year. The newly created oppor- we need even more talent with high cost of living remains slightly below tunity for remote work and the attrac- levels of education and experience the national average (currently at tiveness of the region is anticipated in fields like computer science and 98.4% for the Boise Metro) the cost to continue to drive in-migration engineering. Similarly the growth of of housing has risen significantly in of talent to Southwest Idaho. This health care in Region 3 has also in- the last year. Population growth is growth feeds the labor force profile creased our need for highly skilled putting continued pressure on an al- of the region and enhances the op- nurses. ready tight real estate market. As an portunity for employers to continue example, from August of 2019 to Au- to hire top talent even as unemploy- gust of 2020 the cost of a single-fam- ment rates remain low. Even as the Infrastructure/ ily home has increased by 12.7% region works to combat the econom- and 21.6% respectively in our most ic impacts of COVID-19 both Nampa broadband. populated counties, Ada and Can- and Boise have been recognized by yon. Even though record numbers Stable, robust internet service is no of permits for single and multifamily houses are being issued, homes can- Transportation. Educational not be built quickly enough to meet Goal: Eighty percent of the resi- outcomes. the demand. This housing shortage is dents in Region 3 have the ability to driving housing costs up at a rate that The innovation ecosystem grow- get to work, the places that they need continues to outpace wage growth. ing within Southwest Idaho, as well to in order to meet their needs (med- as globally, is working to shift the ical facilities, grocery stores, etc.) and future of industry and work. Just as VISIONARY GOALS: the places within the region that they in 1990 we could not have imagined recreate without using a personal ve- the many skills and knowledge areas hicle. needed to support industry 4.0 it is Broadband. Explain: More robust transporta- hard to predict the exact skills and tion systems continue to be a need. knowledge necessary for the next The impacts of COVID-19 have Today we are a region that relies ex- iteration of technology and develop- been far reaching across many sec- tensively on personal vehicles (often ment. Our region must work to break tors from everyday life to where large, gas guzzling ones) to get to all down silos to craft an education sys- and how we work. One of the great of the places that we need and want tem that creates a future generation impacts has been in regard to see- to go. There is a healthy bike commut- of creative critical thinkers who re- ing the effectiveness of the current ing population but that is largely only main agile to meet the workforce broadband network across the re- possible for a small number or resi- needs of 2040. This shift will include gion. As households are working dents living in close proximity to our mastery based education and the in- to combine online learning and vid- urban areas. The “commuter culture” clusion of computational thinking in eo conferencing for working from coupled with our population growth all grade levels as a means of foster- home; deficiencies in broadband is putting extreme pressure on infra- ing the critical thinking and lifelong have become more evident. There structure like roads and bridges. It is learning skills students will need in is also a growing discrepancy in the also furthering other concerns like a dynamically shifting work environ- households that are able to afford parking in some cities, pollution and ment over their careers. and access larger data packages to commute times. Today we have very Additionally our region must work support the needs of video stream- limited public transportation options to build a more inclusive and efficient ing creating greater gaps in equita- and they are largely focused only on short term tactical ecosystem for the ble opportunity. These discrepan- access around the Boise Metro. To needs of employers today. In contin- cies in access and affordability create truly make revolutionary change in ued support of meeting all skill lev- challenges for households across the our region we need to think beyond el needs greater collaboration must region for widespread implemen- just creating more bus routes from take place between industry and ed- tation of telehealth, e-learning and Caldwell to Boise. We need to figure ucation to create greater career read- business continuity. To adapt to the out how we can take pressure off of iness with high school students today changing telecommunication needs all of our roads, even those that we and address the challenge of educa- of a growing knowledge economy in often travel for fun. We need this not tion attainment for students to con- a post-COVID-19 era the region must only so we can ensure workers can tinue on to post secondary and cer- seek ubiquitous, universal, uniform get to their jobs but also so we can tification opportunities. The region is enterprise and residential access extend the life of our roads that allow proud to continue to support the ad- to future-proof high speed internet us easy access to amazing recreation- vancement of Boise State University (broadband) for all citizens, entre- al opportunities. preneurs and businesses, regardless into a distinguished research institu- of location, income level or demo- tion that will continue to support the graphics. growth and development of innova- tion within our Idaho companies. SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO
Region 4 - Top 3 Transformative Industries
TOURISM, FOOD PROCESSING, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
South Central The tourism industry can be sea- supply and production must increase Region sonal which in turn can be a challenge to keep up with demand. for workers to have steady work, Processing of food relies on food and a steady income. As mentioned production, and the region is a long- above, the overlay of technology time high producing area, not only in means that certain jobs in the sector Idaho, but in the United States (see require a higher level of knowledge below). Transportation, cold storage TOURISM and/or tech skills than in the past, availability, low cost energy, and in- Tourism in Region IV has been and requiring that workers stay current frastructure are assets contributing. continues to be transformative for and upskill themselves. The richness The jobs in the food processing many reasons, including the dynam- of the dynamic evolution of tourism sector are increasing in sophistica- ic evolution of the region and what adds potential for the entrepreneur. tion and skill requirements. Through- tourism means as a social construct. out the COVID crisis, employment in Generational lifestyle changes have FOOD PROCESSING. the sector has remained strong and modified attitudes about tourism and The commercialization and critical stable, with a few isolated exceptions. recreation, including growing expec- mass of agricultural product pro- The nature of the work and demand tations of younger generations and cessing has stirred a remarkable and has pushed average wages and ben- the application of technology. obvious interest in food science and efits up, along with the expectations In the context of technology, tour- research in addition to the highly au- of highly technical skills. ism can be a function of big data and tomated and sophisticated proces- how the populace gathers and exam- sors locating and expanding in the AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL ines information. It is far easier to be Magic Valley. Chobani CEO Hamdi RESOURCES. found in this era than in times past. Ulukaya has been quoted as saying The visionary irrigation project The region possesses remarkable as- that the region has the potential to that diverts the area’s most valuable sets in the way of hotels, restaurants, be the “Silicon Valley of food science resource (water) from the Snake Riv- regional airports, not to mention a and research.” Globally, the popula- er to the open, rich fields is central genuine authenticity and historical tion is expected to grow by 2 billion to the success of agriculture in the appreciation. in the next 30 years. Simply put, food southern parts of the region in par- ticular. As family farms continue to And likewise, the nature of the work education opportunities to support dwindle and corporate farming takes becomes ever more technical: robot- these industries, and infrastructure to over, the degree of sophistication of ic dairies, GIS data to inform auto- support the growth these companies precision agriculture has taken hold. mated distribution of water and nutri- are continuing to experience. The use of GIS data, drones, and oth- ents, animal sciences, use of drones These food sectors have remained er ag tech continues to evolve. The for herd and field inspections. As strong even during recessions and University of Idaho Center for Agri- family farming and exposure to ag- are projected to continue to grow culture, Food and the Environment riculture as a job sector dwindles, so well into the future. With abundance (CAFE) project will drive the sector too does broad occupational interest in dairy production and available wa- forward in remarkable ways. in or understanding of agriculture. ter for processing, the Magic Valley The importance of water cannot has the ability to assist existing busi- be overemphasized as a fundamen- SUMMARY nesses expand and welcome new tal building block of agriculture and The Magic Valley was founded with companies to the region. natural resources. A renewed focus agricultural roots and those roots are With the focus on food, the region on sustainable methods and renew- still strong today. The Magic Valley is has also developed a small supply able energy provides another essen- considered “America’s most diverse chain cluster in packaging and plas- tial asset. There is a strong market for food basket” and is home to one of tics that have developed in part due regional products, and the synergy the country’s largest dairy industries, to the food processing focus in the with the processing sector is obvious. the world’s largest trout producer, region. These other industries are Transportation and logistics provide the world’s largest yogurt process- essential to our existing food proces- ready access to local and broader ing facility, and a whole host of oth- sors as well as serve as a great asset markets. er global producers and processors. for future companies who are look- While nearly all employment and/ The Magic Valley produces about ¼ ing to come to the Magic Valley. Our or industry sectors in the region are of all Ag receipts in the state. This transportation, shipping, and logis- impacted by the use of migrant labor, diversity has created a strong R&D tics sector has grown to support the there is a history and tradition of this sector around food science, work- growing food and agricultural sector tactic concentrated in agriculture. force training programs and higher in the region.
SNAPSHOT STRENGTHS, CHALLENGES, VISIONARY GOALS REGION 4 Connie Stopher, Executive Director Southern Idaho Economic Development Nate Murray, Twin Falls Urban Renewal Todd Schwarz, College of Southern Idaho STRENGTHS: water and land have been well man- citizens and employers. aged. Our smaller size and connect- edness also means that there is easy Food production and often direct access to decision Communication makers, which is often uncommon in Infrastructure. Cluster. larger communities. This makes busi- ness growth easier and the process The Magic Valley has been called Communication Infrastructure is es- can often take less time. It also cre- the Silicon Valley of food. This is be- sential for our current employers and ates a very business friendly environ- cause we grow, produce, and inno- a top concern for those relocating ment, with customize solutions from vate in ways that most communities to the region. A lack of broadband government and schools to meet the cannot. From our workforce training and fiber will exclude communities needs of expanding businesses. Peo- that has a tremendous focus on food, from projects and will leave some ple know and support the businesses to our growers who are constantly behind. It is essential for the surviv- in the region and come together to finding new efficiencies, to our pro- al of communities to have adequate help each other. cessors who are creating new food communication infrastructure to sup- products every year, our food pro- port their current industries and to duction cluster is our most signifi- CHALLENGES: have the ability to compete for future cant strength. Having a strong focus growth. With more people looking at on food has also made us resilient in working remotely, schooling remote- economic downturns and has aiding Educational ly, and businesses considering mov- in a consistent growth in jobs and in- outcomes. ing from urban centers, it will be the vestment. communities who have investments Drastically improve educational in broadband and fiber who will be outcomes (go on rates, graduation successful in growing and retaining Transportation/ rates, etc). Without better education- jobs, particularly those who depend Shipping. al outcomes, it will be difficult to cul- on technology. tivate innovative technology because One of the region’s strengths is the talent pool will not have the skills Wealth Disparity. that we are ideally located along to support these home-grown com- rail, and interstate and are home to panies or to attract growing com- Many of our efforts and focus is two regional airports. Our regional panies to the region. Education is centered on providing better job airports have been critical in attract- the cornerstone to growing an inno- opportunities, growing business/ ing visitors to the region to support vative resilient economy. A skilled industry, and improving education our growing tourism industry as well workforce is often one of, if not the outcomes. Many of the intended re- as showing that we can be an ideal top concern of businesses, both local cipients of that work would be those corporate location for growing busi- and those looking to relocate. While who do not currently have access to nesses. Our shipping and trucking we have incredible partnerships with these opportunities. There is wealth infrastructure has also been critical to the College of Southern Idaho to disparity in our region as well as inad- showing that despite being rural, we train workers and develop programs equate representation of various so- can get goods and services to other for employers, our K-12 system ranks cioeconomic groups, minorities, and parts of the country quickly, afford- so low in the nation and has such a women in decision making groups. ably, and efficiently. gap in graduation rates, go on rates, Successful outreach to these groups and higher ed completion rates, that will require greater communication, we are simply not creating a pipeline participation, and collaboration be- Ag community. of skilled workers who are prepared tween those of us who are typically at for the future technological needs the table and those who are not, but While the Magic Valley has been of employers. This starts with early need to be. growing, it still feels like a close-knit childhood education and will require Ag community. The communities of partnerships and support across sec- the region have taken great care to tors to achieve the kind of gains that ensure that valuable resources like are required to make a difference to VISIONARY GOALS: Agriculture R&D Growth. Creating an Entrepreneurial Our region has been focused on agriculture since it was originally Ecosystem. founded. That focus has resulted in huge growth in agriculture industries One segment of the region that and food clusters. We are now on hasn’t been developed is creating an the precipice of moving into the 21st Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. We need Century of Agriculture- This includes to create the infrastructure to support growth in our R&D sectors, innova- entrepreneurs and high growth com- tion in sustainability around water, panies. That includes communication waste, production, and processing. infrastructure, space for innovation Part of that new growth includes like incubators and research space. branding ourselves as best in the We also need to build out the edu- world at food, and as the Silicon Val- cation system to close skill gaps and ley of food. While we know that we to allow for innovative growth. An ef- are the best in the world at food, it’s fort is currently underway to develop important for our future growth for a food innovation center. This center the rest of the world to know that too. would unite efforts between higher Supply chain and sustainability education, industry, and support sys- of our local businesses. The recent tems to create a one-stop center for COVID pandemic has raised issues food entrepreneurs and businesses with supply chains and sustainabil- that need assistance with innovation, ity of our local businesses during new products, commercialization, global disruptive events. To be pro- scaling up, and business support. active, rather than reactive to these The project is currently in the feasibil- types of events, we would want to ity stage and hopes to have a facility look at reshoring or attracting busi- complete in about two years. Current nesses that are essential to our lo- patterns include: College of South- cal supply chain. This would include ern Idaho, University of Idaho, Dairy cluster analysis and attention to the West, Utah State, Southern Idaho resilience needed to sustain future Economic Development, Region IV events that can destabilize our local Development, and SBDC economy. growth in our R&D sectors supply chains and sustainability of our local businesses SOUTHEASTERN IDAHO
Region 5 - Top 3 Transformative Industries
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING (INCLUDES ENERGY), INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)/ CYBERSECURITY, AGRICULTURE
Southeastern ket. They currently hold patents for Premier Technology. Region a number of specialty harvesters and Outside of the big players, the ad- seed potato cutting systems which vanced manufacturing sector has are being designed and developed also provided a breeding ground for international and domestic mar- for smaller startups to thrive. One kets. of such is Inergy Solar. Inergy Solar COVID-19 has led to significant is the leader in consumer portable ADVANCED MANUFACTURING disruptions affecting nearly every power with a strong focus to provide Advanced Manufacturing indus- aspect of the global economy and the world with affordable solar pow- tries conduct significant R&D and supply chain and has called for a re- er. employ a disproportionate number set – a pivot - across all sectors. While Advanced Manufacturing is an es- of STEM workers. The highly talent- supply chain shocks have uncovered sential part of Southeastern Idaho’s ed workforce and the industry’s nat- operational vulnerabilities, they have economy. Approximately 5 percent ural propensity for research make also presented transformative oppor- of all jobs in the region are tied to this it transformative. The number of tunities for manufacturing and supply industry cluster, many of which pay patents held by businesses in this chain leaders. Through advances in well above the average wage for the sector is an added indication of the technology and new ways of work- region (average wage of advanced innovative nature of this cluster. ON ing, larger businesses like Premier manufacturing jobs in Southeastern Semiconductor in Pocatello, for in- Technology and ON Semiconductor, Idaho is $66,200, which is almost stance, holds a number of patents and even smaller startups like Inergy double the regional average wage for this innovative design methods Solar have adapted quickly while re- of $38,000). Advanced Manufactur- in computer component manufac- maining viable and operational. Each ing is also a top contributor to the re- turing. JR Simplot has a growing list are leaders in modeling adaptation gional GDP. In 2019, advanced man- of over 70 US patents demonstrating and transformation – demonstrating ufacturing contributed about $775M, their commitment to innovation and how to reimagine and rebalance op- roughly 12 percent of regional GDP. to the creation of valuable intellectu- erations during a pandemic. (Source: Idaho Dept. of Labor; EMSI). al property. SPUDNIK, a leading farm Large employers that fall under the The location quotient is a measure equipment manufacturer in Black- advanced manufacturing sector in- of industry job concentration in a foot, has demonstrated the ability to clude ON-Semiconductor, Monsan- given area relative to national lev- bring products from design to mar- to/Bayer, JR Simplot, SPUDNIK, and els. A location quotient equal to 1 indicates that the concentration in a This new data center optimizes infra- IT cluster such as the Purdue IT Clus- particular region is equal to nation- structure, information, and services ter imply the Southeastern Idaho al concentration levels. A number through the consolidation of over IT/Cybersecurity space is relatively greater than 1 indicates that there is 100 data centers through the De- small. Recent development, how- a higher concentration of the occu- partment of Justice to strengthen the ever, point to a huge potential for pation relative to the nation and hints cybersecurity posture for the Depart- growth in this cluster. With the re- at a specialization of that occupation ment of Justice components. The cent expansion of the Federal Bureau in the given region. The concentra- new data center not only enhances of Investigation (FBI) Southeastern tion of advanced manufacturing jobs collaboration and information shar- Idaho has become well positioned to in Southeastern Idaho is 18% higher ing, but it also executes advanced be a global leader for Cybersecurity. than national levels and higher than analytics as the epicenter for activi- Small cybersecurity companies have every other region in the state. ties in Washington, D.C. already begun to migrate into the Additionally, with the onset of area, since the announcement of the REGION LOCATION QUOTIENT COVID-19, medical centers like the data center - Buchanan and Edwards Region 1 0.87 Portneuf Medical Center had to and ECS Federal. Region 2 0.47 quickly pivot to e-visits and tele-visits. Othe large employers like the Port- Region 3 1.10 In less than two weeks, we hit a crit- neuf Medical Center and the Idaho Region 4 0.35 ical juncture where healthcare pro- Central Credit Union are not primar- Region 5 1.18 viders had to streamline processes ily IT/cybersecurity companies as Region 6 0.28 and offer personalized care through their prime function but are key play- (Source: EMSI) online interaction. With electronic ers in the development of this indus- Many of the high paying jobs are record management tools and oth- try cluster. concentrated outside the region’s er healthcare IT solutions, Portneuf This cluster is perfectly suited for metro area (Bannock County) – in Car- Medical had the ability to continue to entrepreneurs and small business- ibou, Bingham and Power counties provide exceptional healthcare while es. Employers that traditionally fall – and thus provides a much-needed maintaining and accessing health re- within the IT/Cybersecurity cluster boost to the rural economy. cords through electronic systems in are typically small establishments order to quickly review and evaluate with less than 5 employees. Buchan- INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY a patient’s health status – from any- an and Edwards, and ECS Federal, (IT)/CYBERSECURITY where – allowing providers to make are two of the larger of these small informed decisions about a patient’s businesses to crop up the last year. Information Technology is all about health needs and provide the care re- ECS Federal brought 60 high-paying the use and transfer of information. quired. Through information technol- technical jobs to Pocatello and Bu- IT has transformed the way we do ogy, the storage of health data also chanan and Edwards plans to hire up business, the way we live, as well as allows patients to easily review and to 80 employees. These businesses how we communicate with others. update their personal information, are anchored by the presence of ma- When viewed from a high-level aca- which keeps them engaged as a key jor players that provide the market demic perspective, IT can be used to player in their own health plan. for the cluster to thrive. find cures for diseases, run comput- In the last few years, job ads for er modeling and simulation appli- Lastly, with the vast amounts of data computer/network/cybersecurity cations, and controls to protect vital moving across online systems, along specialists have ranked high in the systems from cyberthreats. As infor- with the systems required for stor- top regional job openings by vol- mation technology becomes more age, daily transactions, and exchange ume. A surge in labor demand is a widespread, cybersecurity grows in and use of data, banking institutions good indicator of the bright outlook importance. The field is a very dy- like the Idaho Central Credit Union of this industry cluster. namic one as it responds to the ever- (ICCU) are on the cutting-edge of us- As more personal and business in- changing nature of cyberattacks. ing cybersecurity systems to protect formation is stored on devices, net- Southeastern Idaho’s IT/Cyberse- their customers personal information works, and “the cloud”, cyberthreats curity space has grown exponen- and data from cyberthreats. are becoming way to frequent and tially. In the fall of 2019, the Federal Defining this industry is notorious- personal information continues to Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its ly difficult as it cuts across a number be compromised. People across the partners at the Department of Justice of sectors from manufacturing, to globe depend on the internet, and held a ribbon cutting ceremony of healthcare to banking and finance. that dependency is what is making the FBI’s new data center in Pocatello. More standardized definitions of an cybercriminals strong. Every orga- nization, small and large, will be re- ley, and hay – accounting for 1,300 tity. Other examples include offer- quired to advance their cybersecurity covered jobs in the region. Livestock ing farmers innovative products that systems. New facilities, like the FBI’s and dairy contribute approximately make use of technology and data to new data center, brings together ex- 600 jobs in the region. Additional improve decision making and there- perts to assess infrastructure security, noncovered employment by, for ex- by increase yields and profits, and cyber forensics, and detection threats ample, migrant seasonal farmwork- data collected by autonomous trac- to provide real-world technical solu- ers make agriculture a dominant sec- tors will seamlessly flow to computer tions and innovations to safeguard, tor in the region. controlling irrigation devices, which protect, and prevent against threats. Agriculture feeds into, and is sup- in turn will be able to use weather-sta- ported by, a dominant Food Pro- tion data to optimize irrigation plans. AGRICULTURE cessing Industry with large food Agriculture, one of the world’s old- processors in the area that include est industries, finds itself at a techno- AGRICULTURE is one of the oldest Basic American Foods, Amy’s Kitch- logical crossroads. The success and industries in the world and one that en, Lamb Weston, Golden Valley sustainability of one of the oldest has undergone significant transfor- Natural and Great Western Malting. industries may well depend on tech- mation in its workforce composition Agriculture and Food Processing nology transformation, and those over generations from a workforce combined account for close to 5,000 that embrace it at the outset may be comprising primarily of household/ covered jobs in Southeastern Idaho – best positioned to thrive in agricul- unpaid family members to one dom- about 8 percent of total covered em- ture’s connectivity-driven future. inated by hired labor. A declining ployment in the region. Agriculture supply of farm workers in recent in Southeastern Idaho also benefits SUMMARY years has accelerated automation of greatly from the innovations arising work traditionally done by manual from a thriving farm equipment man- Southeastern Idaho’s economic labor and agriculture is rapidly be- ufacturing industry driven largely by roots encompasses a strong histo- ing transformed into a tech precision SPUDNIK in Blackfoot. ry of agriculture and manufacturing, industry. The industry has seen ad- The region has a strong domain along with the railroad being the first vances in machinery, enhancements expertise in Agriculture. The location economic driving factor in Pocatello. in seed production, and develop- quotient of the section in Southeast- The healthcare sector has grown over ment of smart irrigation systems. ern Idaho is 4.9 – a concentration the last decade to become a domi- Most recent, artificial intelligence (AI) of ag jobs that is nearly 5 times the nant player in the regional econo- has come into play, along with other national average. When we consid- my. Currently, the healthcare sector emerging technologies, to further er total agricultural employment – accounts for approximately 15% of increase yields, improve the efficien- both covered and non-covered, the all jobs in the region. Additionally, cies of watering crops, and build sus- region’s agricultural sector alone Idaho State University has strength- tainability and resilience across crop boasts over 9,000 jobs concentrated ened its partnership efforts between cultivation. mainly in Bingham, Power and Frank- industries and the university to better Automation and Robotics are be- lin Counties. (Source: Idaho Depart- align workforce needs in the commu- coming commonplace even in the ment of Labor Agricultural Employ- nity and strengthen the pipeline to food processing industry. Great ment Estimates). disseminate knowledge and provide Western Malting in Pocatello, for Food processors like Basic Amer- inputs to problem solving. Lastly, the instance, is fully automated. The ican Foods, Amy’s Kitchen, Lamb region remains focused on increas- business has been noted for efforts Weston, and Golden Valley Natural ing activities to better prepare South- to improve their manufacturing pro- combined contribute approximately eastern Idaho’s future workforce. In cess. They were awarded the Asso- 3,000 jobs to the local economy. support of these efforts, K-12 pro- ciation of Washington Business’ 2018 Large manufacturers are develop- grams and activities have been de- Manufacturing Excellence Award for ing precision controls that make use veloped to include: The Construction Green Manufacturing, in recognition of satellite imagery and vehicle-to-ve- Combine Program, Your Fit Program, of a series of conservation efforts that hicle connections to improve the Young Einstein Projects, Bengal collectively achieved a 98 percent efficiency of field equipment. The STEM Days, and Growing Together reduction in the company’s water us- world’s largest fertilizer distributors Program. age. now offer both fertilizing agents and In recent years, Southeastern Agriculture in Southeastern Idaho software that analyzes field data to Idaho has experienced strong job is dominated by crop production – help farmers determine where to ap- growth. With one Metropolitan Sta- primarily potatoes, sugar beets, bar- ply their fertilizers and in what quan- tistical Area (MSA) – the thriving city of Pocatello – and a large and thriv- surrounding communities. where competitive advantages ex- ing Native American Reservation, Southeastern Idaho’s strengths re- ists, prospects for future growth are strong federal programs, a boom- side in the following areas: Advanced greatest, and return on investment ing healthcare industry, a stable and Manufacturing, Agriculture, Banking is highest. It makes sense that re- sustainable agriculture industry, an & Finance, Energy, Healthcare, Infor- gions strategically target sectors with advanced manufacturing and ener- mation Technology (Cybersecurity), the greatest potential to create new gy industry to build from, a four-year and Outdoor Products & Recreation. jobs, raise incomes, and create eco- university and two-year College of “Cluster” economic activity is not a systems where industry and business Technology, Southeastern Idaho is new concept and is recognized glob- flourish as they complement existing uniquely positioned to take advan- ally as a method of expanding and di- workforce, research capabilities, in- tage of economic opportunities gen- versifying local economies. “Targets” frastructure, and other resources. erated within itself and along with represent segments of an economy
SNAPSHOT STRENGTHS, CHALLENGES, VISIONARY GOALS REGION 5 Teresa McKnight, Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI) Mark Willden, Idaho Central Credit Union Shane Hunt, Idaho State University STRENGTHS: The Southeastern Idaho economy has an array of assets, inexpensive land, a favorable regulatory climate, low Education. taxes, abundant resources, a ready Five Large Federal workforce, great colleges and univer- Programs. Southeastern Idaho is within range sities, and a low cost of living. South- of several large institutions of higher eastern Idaho’s tax revenues come The region is uniquely positioned education that bring 50,000 students from a balanced mix of income, sales, with the presence of five federal pro- to the area every semester (i.e. Idaho property and corporate taxes without grams: Department of Energy (DOE), State University (ISU) in Pocatello, unfairly burdening a specific sector. Department of Defense (DOD), University of Idaho joint University Idaho’s state and local government United States Navy, Homeland Sec- Place Campus in Idaho Falls, the Col- debt per capita is one of the lowest urity, and the Federal Bureau of In- lege of Eastern Idaho (CEI) in Idaho in the nation. CNBC ranks Idaho #4 vestigation (FBI). Southeastern Idaho Falls, and Brigham Young Univer- for cost of doing business based on is also located in close proximity to sity-Idaho (BYU-I) in Rexburg. Each the state tax climate, state sponsored the leading nuclear research facility, of these institutions play a leading incentives, and cost of wages. South- Idaho National Laboratory. role in educating and training Idaho’s eastern Idaho also has some of the future workforce to support the re- lowest electricity rates in the nation gion’s growing targeted industries. due to abundant production from CHALLENGES: The region is well recognized for its the state’s hydroelectric generation hard-working and dedicated work- facilities along the Snake River. The Transportation. force. region has a growing wind, solar, and biofuel industry. The Williams North- As our region continues to grow west Pipeline brings natural gas to through expansion of existing busi- Affordable cost of the region. The median home value nesses, recruitment of new busi- Living/Quality of Life. for Bannock County is lower than the nesses, and professionals, our re- state and the nation with a value of gion lags behind in getting people $168,200, as of 2018. to their designated job sites outside the community in which they live. In in research activities at Idaho State in the Region and Establish a Region addition, CEO’s require the ability to University, finding required capital 5 STEM Seed Fund to Promote Entre- fly in and out of Eastern Idaho’s- air to bring new ideas and innovations preneurial Ideas and Startups. In Fall ports – usually within the same day. to market can be challenging. This 2019, REDI brought leaders to the Lack of any type of a good public activity is new to Southeastern Idaho table to maximize entrepreneurship transportation system in the region, but not new to other states. States success and fuel growth and viability along with lack of an international adjacent to Southeastern Idaho have in Southeastern and Eastern Idaho airport will continue to hinder the experienced the same challenge. As through streamlined collaboration, region’s recruitment efforts and the the region continues to grow these services, shared facilities, and men- ability for national and international activities, we know we will see more torship – The Eastern Idaho Entre- companies to even consider South- interest from Angel and Venture Cap- preneurship and Incubation Alliance eastern Idaho as an area for expan- ital Investors. Our current challenge (EI2). In July 2020, REDI held a kick- sion and/or relocation. is finding the capital in the interim off event to introduce EI2 leaders until we reach the volume that will in- to regional entrepreneurs. REDI will crease levels of interest that will result continue to: Housing. in higher capital investment interests • Cultivate a culture to quickly and efficient- in our region ly move ideas to market Our region has experienced fast • Host startup competitions growth – even during a pandemic. • Strengthen and/or develop new incuba- Housing continues to be an issue in VISIONARY GOALS: tion and accelerator programs our region. New and existing homes • Identify and recruit Investors have been purchased sight-unseen. Energy & • Bring additional mentors into EI2 In addition, new homes are being purchased before excavation even Cybersecurity. begins. Also, due to growth in sever- Strengthen al organizations (i.e. the FBI), and sev- ENERGY: Be a resource that rep- Integration Efforts eral federal contractors working in resents the interests of the energy partnership with the FBI expanding industry and energy partners and Strengthen Integration Efforts Be- in Southeastern Idaho, we are see- narrow the gap between employers’ tween Business, Industry, Govern- ing an uptick of young professionals demands for a highly skilled work- ment, and Idaho State University to moving into the region. These profes- force and higher educations ability to Attract and Develop High Paying sionals are looking for similar hous- supply work-ready graduates. Also, Jobs in the Region ing they left behind on the east and continue to build on the cutting-edge west coasts, which means, they are research platform that allows busi- • Embrace the concept that the region seeking flats, condos, townhomes, ness, researchers, and the scientific serves as a “living lab” and the univer- and upscaled apartments rather than community to strengthen collabor- sity as a “research and development re- single family housing. This is an area ation efforts to create new waves of source”. Southeastern Idaho lags behind in integrated energy systems. • Identify real-world problems to be solved in our region and provide a proper setting housing options for young single CYBERSECURITY: Be a resource and for innovative discussions and engage- professionals. Two major housing convener to industry and labor to ment to take place between university help drive workforce development developments, Northgate District in and regional business and community initiatives and coordinate resources Pocatello and the New Day District leaders. in Chubbuck, are currently underway with industry and labor to set the dir- • Align people and resources and meet which once completed would do ection. on a consistent basis with university and much to alleviate the chronic housing Also, continue to fuel innovation and regional employers to discuss issues and shortage in the region. be on the cutting-edge of develop- resolutions, including student attraction ing cybersecurity systems in a fast- and hands-on real-world learning expe- paced digital world. riences. Access to Capital. • Strengthen opportunities for students to move into full-time positions with South- Southeastern Idaho has seen an up- Strengthen the eastern Idaho companies upon gradu- tick of entrepreneurial and start-up ation - providing competitive wages to activities. With the increase of activ- Entrepreneurial keep students from leaving our region ities within the nuclear and cyberse- Spirit. (reduce the “Brain Drain” in Southeastern curity sectors, as well as the increase Idaho). Strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit EASTERN IDAHO
Region 6 - Top 3 Transformative Industries
ENERGY, CYBERSECURITY/ CYBERTECHNOLOGY, HEALTHCARE
Eastern search energy production challenges bring technical and specialized talent Region with contributions in energy trans- to the region, which spurs addition- mission, energy security, renewable al economic development in all oth- Biotech energy integration, transportation er areas. The wages offered are also Industry transformation, water utilization, en- higher than average, increasing the ergy critical materials, biomass feed- region’s median wage, and attracting stock assembly, and advanced man- more talent to the communities. ENERGY. ufacturing. Eastern Idaho’s focus on energy The region’s economy was mostly CYBERSECURITY/ and science continues to be transfor- agriculturally focused until the Atom- CYBERTECHNOLOGY mative not only for the region, but for ic Energy Commission opened the Cybersecurity/cybertechnology is the state and nation as well. Projects National Reactor Testing Station in a transformative industry for Eastern in the pipeline for the coming de- 1949. This led to many energy firsts Idaho because it in one way or anoth- cade include siting of the world’s first occurring at the Idaho National Labo- er affects almost every business and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) facility, ratory site. INL is the home of the first industry operating. From healthcare support deployment of commercial use of nuclear energy for commercial and banking, to precision agriculture micro-reactors, and establish lead- power, the home of the new nuclear and advanced manufacturing, East- ership for the Versatile Test Reactor. Navy, and now home to the first small ern Idaho companies are creating Eastern Idaho is the go-to place that and micro nuclear reactors. 70 years and using cybertechnology in ways will supply the energy industry with later in 2019, INL was named the Nu- to deploy their products and services the talent, expertise, vendors, and in- clear Innovation Research Center, that are transforming the landscape. frastructure needed to support glob- where its’ history of leading first in Cybertechnology foundations in al market needs. kind energy technologies will contin- Eastern Idaho are not vastly different Idaho Falls is a place where pri- ue. from cybertechnology foundations in vate companies can come and gain The Idaho National Laboratory, Flu- other areas of the country. As com- access to the technical expertise and or Idaho, and their associated con- puting and communications device infrastructure necessary to develop, tractors and partners, are the largest usage and demand grew, the ability test, and demonstrate energy de- employers in Eastern Idaho. In that to provide products and services, as signs, as well as materials, fuels, and context, it is difficult to overstate the well as hire and properly train staff to other technologies. Energy innova- importance of the Department of fill needed roles also grew. The ad- tion has been the reason many en- Energy’s footprint in the region. It is vantage Eastern Idaho has is access ergy industries have chosen Eastern an economic driver, and the quantity to a national laboratory with a focus Idaho as home. and quality of jobs that are created on cybertechnology, as well as myri- Idaho National Laboratory leads re- ad regional higher education institu- tions with programs and curriculum ern Idaho, but for Southern Montana ern Idaho’s economy and way of life, to train current and next generation and Western Wyoming. The focus of with area farmers producing annu- workforce groups. the healthcare industry is to provide al crops of potatoes, wheat, barley, Joint cybersecurity programs of- comprehensive care for all needs, quinoa, sugar beets, and more. Live- fered through higher education in- without requiring patients travel to stock production include dairy, beef, stitutions to working professionals is Salt Lake City for healthcare services sheep, and pork. one way this industry contributes to or specialties. The Atomic Energy Commission employment progression and work- Employment opportunities abound opened the National Reactor Testing force skillset improvement. Ultimate- for individuals seeking healthcare re- Station in 1949, and this led to many ly, nearly every business will need lated professions in Eastern Idaho. energy firsts for the region occurring staff devoted to cybertechnology Surrounded by education institutions at the Idaho National Laboratory site. management, and job opportunities that offer competitive and highly rat- Both agriculture and energy remain are endless as the industry continues ed nursing and pre-med programs, engrained in the region’s roots and to grow and transform. the opportunities are endless for job are stable, long-term components of seekers looking to progress in their the economy. HEALTHCARE. career. Residency programs, intern- Additional roots include a growing Eastern Idaho houses four major ships, and robust variety of avail- healthcare sector, tourism, advanced hospital facilities, a Cancer Center, a able positions make Eastern Idaho manufacturing, and cybertechnolo- Burn Center, and a Cardiac Center as an attractive option for securing a gy. The region has become a post- well as hundreds of supporting diag- high-paying, fulfilling, and quality ca- secondary education corridor, known nostic facilities, medical laboratories, reer in a community that believes in for education institutions that have outpatient facilities, and medical sup- providing service with integrity and the ability to be nimble and adap- port businesses. These healthcare professionalism. tive to industry needs. Currently, over industry businesses work to operate 50,000 students attend college in more efficiently, and often at a lower SUMMARY Eastern Idaho each semester, making cost to patients, through the utiliza- Eastern Idaho celebrates agricul- postsecondary institutions an import- tion of state-of-the-art innovation and tural roots, beginning as a sparsely ant stable and long-term component technology. populated area of cattle and sheep of the region. Region 6 has established itself as ranchers. Agriculture remains a fun- a healthcare hub not only for East- damentally important part of East- SNAPSHOT STRENGTHS, CHALLENGES, VISIONARY GOALS REGION 6 Teresa McKnight, Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI) Mark Willden, Idaho Central Credit Union Shane Hunt, Idaho State University
STRENGTHS: ern Idaho. The United States Depart- 20-megawatt microreactors, which ment of Energy, Department of De- could be used to power remote com- fense, and Department of Homeland munities, industrial operations, and Education. Security have strong footprints in military installations. Working with our communities and provide many the private sector, INL is a world lead- Talent is Eastern Idaho’s greatest opportunities to the businesses and er in electric vehicle battery testing, strength. Two major universities and workforce. Potential partnerships, evolutions in battery storage, and ad- strong industry collaborations help collaboration between industry and vancements in medical isotope tech- the region prepare an emerging education institutions, and national nology. workforce for Idaho and the global leadership are other areas of strength economy. Idaho State University (ISU) and benefit. CHALLENGES: in Pocatello, Brigham Young Univer- sity-Idaho (BYU-I) in Rexburg, the ISU and University of Idaho joint Univer- Innovation (R&D). Public-private sity Place campus in Idaho Falls, and Beginning in 1949, and through partnerships. the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) development and operation of 52 community college bring 50,000 stu- original test reactors, INL built the Pulbic-private partnerships come dents to the area every semester. The R&D Foundation that helped estab- in a variety of forms as a cooperative Center for Advanced Energy studies lish the commercial nuclear energy arrangement between government (CAES), Idaho National Laboratory industry in the United States and entities and private businesses and (INL) Cybercore Integration Center, around the world. Those innovations corporations. Typical partnership and Collaborative Computing Center continue today as the laboratory projects are long term in nature and also play lead roles in training Idaho’s works with industry to develop and work to complete a goal or provide future technology and energy work- deploy the next generation of nucle- a service to a population. Eastern force. ar reactors. That includes the NuS- Idaho has executed some successful cale small modular reactor, which is and beneficial public-private part- Federal Department scheduled to be built on the INL 890 nerships, but there is space and op- square-mile desert site and which portunity for more. Identifying those Contracts/Programs. could begin producing 720 mega- opportunities, fostering interest, eval- watts of carbon-free electricity for uating capital, and achieving follow The presence of federal depart- the Utah Associated Municipal Power through continue to be a challenge. ments, contracts, and programs Systems (UAMPS) once operational. Infrastructure. Because Eastern brings limitless possibilities to East- These innovations also include 2-to- Idaho is a world leader in energy re- search, cybersecurity, and broader VISIONARY GOALS: clean energy research, it consistent- Artificial Intelligence ly receives visitors from throughout and Advanced the nation and around the globe. Eastern Idaho As more private-sector companies Manufacturing. emerge with global customers, they Cybersecurity face the challenge of having the Epicenter. Eastern Idaho is an innovative basket, ability to quickly and efficiently get with advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence as strong con- where they need to go. In addition, Eastern Idaho can become a Cy- with more companies recruited to tributors to the overall success and bersecurity epicenter. With areas of future vision. There is more research Eastern Idaho, CEO’s will require the focus both in IT, (network systems ability to fly in and out of Eastern Ida- and training happening per capita management), and OT (physical in Eastern Idaho than in other areas. ho airports the same day. Lack of an world components), both the human international airport in the region will BYUI, CEI, ISU, and UofI will have the and physical sides of cybersecurity ability to educate and supply every prove increasingly inconvenient until are being assessed, strengthened, it becomes debilitating. business with an AI/data scientist ex- and taught. Financial asset protec- pert. Entrepreneur risk will be high, tion from banking institutions is crit- with new equipment created, adap- Access to Capital. ical; energy system work including tations introduced, and robotics de- generation and transmission is indus- signed and operated. Companies Eastern Idaho has innovation in its try leading; communications security such as Idaho Steel, Melaleuca, Ida- DNA—from the development of the in 5G and wireless network arenas is hoan, Basic American Foods, Non- commercial nuclear energy industry ongoing; entrepreneurship in every pareil, Anheuser-Busch, American to major advances in electric vehicle area is happening. Eastern Idaho will Mills, INL, RBDC, Good-to-Go and batteries, cybersecurity and agricul- be a cybersecurity epicenter through others will impact the region and ture. With a unique asset in INL, and training, education, research and de- nation through exportation of both the federal government encouraging velopment, and leadership. Moneti- products and knowledge. GIS, fire commercialization of national labo- zation opportunities will be available; science, informatics, and broad data ratory research, the private sector in companies and partners will thrive. analytics will be increasingly created Idaho has unrivaled opportunities and utilized. Banking and finance, to produce products borne of inno- Energy Innovation precision agriculture, and healthcare vation and capable of changing our will be high users who lead the way nation’s energy and security future. and Sustainability. with cluster impacts and adaptations. Finding the capital to bring these innovations to the marketplace can Eastern Idaho leads the nation in be challenging. Additionally, as a energy innovation and sustainabil- state, Idaho does not have as many ity. In 10-15 years, the vision is that “tools in the toolbox” when it comes NRIC, microreactors, advanced reac- to economic development incentives tor demonstrations, biofuels, microg- in comparison to neighboring states. rids, batteries, and smart-grids will be Financial incentives, tax reductions, present, contributing, and growing in or infrastructure assistance are un- our communities. Energy storage ca- available or difficult for developers to pabilities will increase, industry pro- obtain, at times making projects cost duction collaborations will strength- prohibitive or impossible to com- en, and entrepreneurship will be plete. contributing and thriving. ITCSYNERGIES 2020 Knowledge Report - Conclusion Outline IN for Regions REGIONS V and VI 5&6 Prepared by Teresa McKnight, CEO of REDI
In the past, Region V and Region VI brings together business, industry, ment at Eastern Idaho’s Universities have been recognized as two inde- city, county, academic, and commu- and Colleges with 49,567 students pendent regions – Region V as South- nity leaders to capitalize on Eastern enrolled each semester (i.e. Idaho east Idaho and Region VI as East Idaho’s assets through investment, State University, University of Idaho Idaho. With the second largest work- accelerated job growth, diversifi- Satellite Campus, College of Eastern force in the state, and the fourth and cation of Eastern Idaho’s economy, Idaho, and Brigham Young Universi- fifth largest cities in Idaho (Idaho Falls workforce skillset matchmaking, and ty-Idaho). and Pocatello), a shift has occurred. enhancement of research and entre- Lastly, with 8 key medical facilities, Civic and community leadership have preneurial capabilities to meet the recognition as a regional mega cen- come together to strengthen collab- needs of a fast-paced global econo- ter for agriculture, and seven top pro- oration and partnerships through my. ducing clusters (i.e. Advanced Man- Regional Economic Development With five fast growing federal pro- ufacturing, Agriculture, Banking & for Eastern Idaho (REDI). REDI works grams in Eastern Idaho – the Depart- Finance, Energy, Healthcare, Informa- in full collaboration with city, coun- ment of Energy (DOE); Department tion Technology (Cybersecurity), Out- ty, university, business, industry, and of Defense (DOD); United States door Products & Recreation), leader- community leaders to promote the Navy – Naval Reactors Facility (NRF); ship recognizes the powerhouse of assets, strengths, and opportunities Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); bringing together Region V and Re- of the region. and Homeland Security, along with gion VI to promote the strength of 15 REDI drives a regional framework national and international recogni- counties working together to trans- and vision to propel growth, support tion that Eastern Idaho is home to form the old way of doing business regionalism, and strategically align the largest DOE Site (Idaho National and removing divisional lines. Doing requirements for a strong economy Laboratory), home to the Collabora- so, showcases the strength of work- that is adaptable and able to sustain tive Computing Center, and home to ing in full collaboration to enhance long periods of economic growth, the Cybercore Integration Center, it the region’s competitive advantage mitigate periods of economic de- comes as no surprise why profession- and achieve a truly bright future - to- cline, and build upon the strengths als, private corporations, and govern- gether. of Eastern Idaho. ment organizations are relocating to REDI promotes regional business Eastern Idaho. This is Eastern Idaho! retention, expansion, and recruit- Along with Eastern Idaho’s grow- ment to targeted areas that strength- ing federal programs, the region has en Eastern Idaho’s economy. REDI witnessed growth in student enroll- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2020 IDAHO KNOWLEDGE REPORT - SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Idaho Technology Council, the voice of the State’s technology industry, is pleased to present the third annual IDAHO KNOWLEDGE REPORT (IKR). The information included here indicates new and broadening runways, identified by metrics and VISION TEAMS located throughout the six economic regions. The information discusses transformative industries and outlines proven tra- jectories that will help support and grow businesses within Idaho’s know- ledge-based economies. Innovation and entrepreneurship play a vital role with Idaho’s economy and ability to adapt to economic change and opportunity, especially with the current pandemic. May you take this knowledge and turn it to advantage. WHY IDAHO? Over the past year success stories in 2020 with an IPO industries, strengths and challenges we have seen unprecedented chal- with Albertsons Companies and two facing their region, and define vi- lenges and changes resulting from of the largest tech financial deals with sion goals that will continue to grow COVID19 and social shifts. In the a local grown companies Clearwater innovation. Each region has unique mist of this change, Idaho is still one Analytics and Cradlepoint. Idaho has business characteristics and also has of the fastest growing states and has experienced strong transformation common opportunities with other re- shown resilient industries in food with traditional companies and the gions in Idaho. Why is this Import- production, precision agriculture, tech industry is resilient. The State ant? For Idaho to be the most innov- energy, technology, and manufactur- of Idaho is experiencing strong tax ative state in the union, we need to ing. Idaho continues to be ranked by receipts and will have one of the top identify the transformative industries, the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger’s, surpluses in state history. The future understand our strengths and weak- Forbes and others as one of the of Idaho’s knowledge-based econ- nesses, and have big vision goals top 10 locations for business and omy is dependent on the continued that will catapult us into the future. family in the U.S. This is supported success of the visionary entrepre- This can only be done via last mile by strong migration of people into neurs growing their companies and delivery of economic application in our state specifically to escape pan- pivoting to meet customer demand each region and having big visionary demic concerns and other social in challenging times. WHY THE 2020 goals. These local leaders who have issues that are straining larger cities IKR? This year’s IKR focuses on grow- an on-the-ground perspective know and regions. Idaho is the ideal set- ing transformative industries in Idaho their region’s strengths, challenges, ting for companies in search of an and each of its economic regions. and are also in the best position to affordable, pro-business environ- We have VISION TEAMS in each of establish long-term vision goals for ment and a superior quality of life the six economic regions focused on their region. for employees and prospective em- how to measure and grow innovation ployees. Idaho has shown great re- in their region. Each region identifies silience and has had some amazing historically the most transformative PROFILE OF IDAHO
In 2006, Battelle wrote a report for The report from 2006 by Battelle, as we have built on findings of the the Idaho Department of Commerce the company that runs the Idaho Na- core competencies only to see a re- called IDAHO’S TECHNOLOGY tional Laboratory, is focused on the markable shift to technology driven PLATFORMS: BUILDING ON THE same areas today that were areas companies. While you compare the STATE’S CORE COMPETENCIES. of focus then. The foundation of a identified Idaho Core Competencies The report emphasized three priority knowledge economy is entrepre- in 2006, you will find that the growth areas: neur’s that are building companies of these companies had software • Building Idaho’s R&D base that make products and services and computing technologies at their • Developing infrastructure to support en- that meet customer demands to- base—which have grown significantly trepreneurs and start-up companies day and into the future. As we build since 2006 and are having amazing • Marketing Idaho’s technology assets. these products and services, we are contributions to Idaho’s economy. conducting R&D that is necessary Idaho has one of the fastest growing to build new products and services. tech and software sectors in the Unit- Idaho has benefited 14 years later ed States.
STRATEGIES PRIORITIES: CORE COMPETENCIES: TECHNOLOGY FOCUSED ON: PLATFORMS:
• Skilled Workforce • Building R&D base • Ag/Biosciences • Alternative Electric Power • R&D excellence • Developing infrastructure • Imaging • Bio-based Fuels and • Commercialization to support entrepreneurs • New Materials/ Products • Entrepreurial culture and start-up companies Nanotechnology • Ecological Health • Infrastructure • Marketing Idaho’s • Power/Energy • Image technology assets
From Battelle Report 2006: Idaho’s Technology Platforms: Building on The State’s Core Competencies
IDAHO KNOWL REPORT EDGE 41 IDAHO CORE COMPETENCIES RELEVANT CLUSTERS
POWER/ENERGY • Alternative Energy and Fuels (High) • Engines and related devices (Medium) • Sensors, voltage regulators, and related electrical instruments (Low) • Thermal devices (Low)
AGRICULTURE/BIOSCIENCES • Ag-Biosciences (High) • Biochemistry/molecular biology (High) • Biomedical (High) • Climatology and earth sciences (Medium)
• Advanced materials coatings & related applications (High) NEW MATERIALS/NANOTECHNOLOGY • Metallochemistry & power metallurgy (High) • Semiconductors, memory, & other computer components (Medium)
IMAGING • Imaging (High)
2020 42 TRANSFORMATIVE INDUSTRIES IN IDAHO
AGRICULTURE AND Legislature to have Idaho research we have had some amazing compa- institutions partner with INL on re- nies develop products and services FOOD PROCESSING newable energy research. Each year that are based on roots from other CAES accounts for approximately companies in Idaho. For instance, Agriculture and food processing $30 million in research funding. Cradlepoint was just acquired by continue to be amazing drivers of the Ericsson for $1.1 billion. Tracing Idaho economy. The concept of sup- Cradlepoint founders, they go back ply chains from farming to food pro- TOURISM. to the Boise HP site. The growth of duction has been a major strength of Idaho’s tech sector can be tied to Idaho’s economy. Every region has Tourism is the third largest industry the 1970s when Micron was found- strengths in this area with the Magic in Idaho- growing faster than those ed and HP located two divisions in Valley leading the way over the past states that surround Idaho. Tour- Idaho. Because of these economic decade with significant growth in the ism has been significantly impacted roots, computing based technology food production segment. The area by COVID-19. We will be measur- companies span many different plat- is being known as the Silicon Valley ing the impact in the 2021 IDAHO forms like IoT/Mobility, eCommerce, of Food Production for the country. KNOWLEDGE REPORT specifically since people are not flying to other AI/Analytics, Cybersecurity, FinTech, tourist destinations, they are visiting AgriScience, Renewable Energy, Bio- TECHNOLOGY AND areas that are easy to access by car. Tech, and more. INNOVATION. We also have a keen eye on the virtu- al workforce and already see signifi- IDENTIFY 3 TOP Over the past decade, high tech cant growth and shifts in this area. STRENGTHS has grown 61% in Idaho, according to the Idaho Department of Commerce. HOW WOULD YOU This has fueled Idaho to have one of Stability and the fastest growing tech sectors in DESCRIBE YOUR the United States. Idaho also has the CURRENT ECONOMY Predictability. fastest growing software industry as a AND FUTURE percent of the states GDP. Idaho has streamlined regulation ASPIRATIONS? and has strong business demograph- ics with low taxes, low cost of energy, RENEWABLE ENERGY. access to water, balanced state bud- Idaho’s economic get, solid financial health, and strong Idaho was built on energy pro- fiscal spending. We also see the Ida- duction with many of its roots in roots. ho Team approach to land and other renewable energy such as hydro issues. Business leaders and others energy production. Morrison Knud- Over the past several decades, have direct access to Idaho’s gover- sen, founded in 1912, was one of Idaho’s economic roots have shift- nor and other legislators and munici- the largest engineering and con- ed to technology based industry pal government officials. struction companies in the world, platforms. Agriculture and natural helping build monster projects like resource industries have made sig- the Hoover Dam and several dams nificant efficiencies based on new -in Influx of funding and in Idaho to assist with irrigation and novations with precision agriculture power production. From those roots, and advanced manufacturing. The talent. we had the Idaho National Laborato- impact of COVID-19 will help em- ry (the only national lab named after phasize supply chains in vital areas Over the past decade Idaho has a state) start in 1949 and helped pave as food production and materials. been the recipient of funding from the way for nuclear research and de- This will continue to play strong to some of the strongest funding sourc- velopment and the development of Idaho’s economic roots. es on the planet. While capital has several other energy areas. Nearly a An economic foundation for Idaho been growing in Idaho, we need decade ago, the Center for Advanced has been many companies focused to keep growing early stage capi- Energy Studies was founded through on gained efficiencies through tech- tal. Boise State University has seen a partnership with INL and the Idaho nology. Over the past twenty years growth from 20 computer science grads in 2012 to 135 last year and that will require more bandwidth. THREE VISIONARY three years, the start of a computer A Knowledge economy demands science PhD program. Information highly connected communities with GOALS received from human resource pro- strong broadband options both ur- fessionals tell us that the influx of tal- ban and rural. This will be a major ent is shifting as several people want focus for 2021. We also know that Make Idaho the to move to Idaho and so applicants travel has been significantly impact- SMARTEST STATE in for open jobs has increased specifi- ed because of COVID-19 and will cally from individuals out of state. measure the impact of travel and the Union. virtual connectivity. We will measure Have specific plans regarding how COVID1-19 has shifted ground having Idaho—The STATE of INNO- Quality of Living and air transportation demand. VATION, showing that Idaho is not in Idaho and Team only a leader in natural resource in- Idaho Approach. Education. dustries, but a leader in technology. We will show applied education in 2020 has brought challenges to Idaho has performed and had Idaho’s education systems and show our nation with a pandemic that has some good results with its education that education is tied closely with Ida- had significant impact on our health system, like having the highest ACT ho’s transformative industries. and economy. Also, there have been scores than any state that surrounds several social issues that are rocking Idaho. We need to improve go on the fabric of larger cities across the rates and alternative education op- The necessity to country. Idaho has had to work to portunities. During COVID-19, ed- focus on Idaho’s Last manage the pandemic and while do- ucation has been challenged with ing this we have experienced some virtual mediums. There will be a new Mile. tremendous growth in several areas normal with education as we find the Idaho is only as strong as the local like the technology sectors, food pro- balance between virtual and face- economies driven in each region. duction, and several other areas. to-face learning. We need to have strong vision on education and not These regions need to find industry decrease higher education spending strengths and points of differentia- IDENTIFY 3 like we have over the past two years. tion that will help them compete. CHALLENGES Shared Vision. Robust Broadband and Transportation Infrastructure. We have identified a need to have cohesive vision on Idaho’s direction and Broadband One of the major shifts from and efforts statewide. A shared vi- Highways. COVID-19 has been the focus on sion amongst industry, economic development, education, and gov- working remote. The virtual office Investments must be made to build ernment will help unite efforts spe- is common and has created a new stronger transportation systems and cifically around how to differentiate normal today and into the future. A broadband infrastructure. Utah is a Idaho and the keys to innovation. Broadband Task Force was formed example as they received the largest by Governor Little focused on an- federal transportation infrastructure swering broadband demands across investments since 1950 when they Idaho, specifically in rural Idaho. improved their transportation system Broadband demand and utilization before the Olympics in 2002. Utah will continue to increase significant- has used this as a launch point to ly as video platforms are optimized. continue to build its transportation We will see significant utilization of system. telemedicine and other applications
2020 44 MIGRATION FOREIGN BORN
25,000 15.0%
20,000 Key 44,011,870
International
15,000 Domestic 10.0%
10,000 Migrants
102,443 5,000 5.0%
0
-5,000 0.0% 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2018 UNITED STATES IDAHO
Year
Data Source: Census Bureau, 2016 5-Year Estimates Data Source: Census Bureau, 2016 5-Year Estimates
PUBLIC LAND AREA 2019 REGIONAL POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
1.00
Age
1.7% 75+ Tribal 0.75 55-74
35-54
30.0% 0.5 Private 18-34
63.2% Population Federal 0-17
5.1% 0.25 State
0 E NC N SC SE SW
Region
Data Source: Idaho Department of Lands Data Source: Census Bureau, 2016 5-Year Estimates
IDAHO KNOWL REPORT EDGE 45 IDAHO POPULATION
1,750,000
1,700,000
1,650,000 Population
1,600,000
1,550,000 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Years
Data Source: Census Bureau, 2017 Population Estimates
JOBJOB GROWTH: GROWTH: NUMBER NUMBER OF JOBSOF JOBS WITH WITH PERCENT PERCENT Percent Change CHANGECHANGE OVER OVER PRIOR PRIOR YEAR YEAR
1,000,0001,000,000
Percent Change
2.9% 3.3%3.3% 750,000750,000 2.8% 3.5% 2.6% 2.9% 4.7% -1.1%-1.1% 2.5%
Jobs Jobs 2.6%2.6% 3.9%3.9% -6.0%-6.0% -1.3%-1.3% 0.3%0.3% 1.1%1.1% 2.7% 1.5%1.5% 0.1%0.1% 0.7%
500,000500,000
250,000250,000 2000 2005 2010 20152015
Years Years
Data Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2018
2020 46 ETHNIC ORIGIN MOST REGIONS IN IDAHO SAW A CLEAR INCREASE IN THE 40% NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS EARNING $50 THOUSAND DOLLARS PER YEAR OR 30% MORE...
20%
10%
$0
WHITE (A) WHITE (A), NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO TWO OR MORE RACES ASIAN (A) AMERICAN INDIAN BLACK OR AFRICAN HISPANIC OR LATINO AND ALASKA NATIVE AMERICAN (A) (A)
Data Source: Census Bureau, 2016 5-Year Estimates
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $62,840
USA IDAHO $60,290
$50,000
$57,650
$55,780 $45,000 $55,320
$53,40 $53,890 $53,050 $53,050 $53,090 $52,760 $51,910 $40,000 $50,980
Personal Income Personal $49,170
$35,000 $47,580 $47,020 $47,330 $46,890 $46,770 $46,420
$30,000 2009 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year
Data Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2017
IDAHO KNOWL REPORT EDGE 47 IDAHO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN CURRENT DOLLARS
All industry total
$80B
$70B
$60B
$50B
Dollars $40B
$30B
$20B
$10B
$0
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year
Data Source: BEA.Gov - interactive data application
IDAHO TOTAL NONFARM JOBS SEASONALLY
ADJUSTED 1971-1978 BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: STRONG 1978-1987 2001-2010 2010-NOW 1939-1970 NATURAL RESOURCES AND GROWTH ERA OF TRANSITION FROM NATURAL 1987-2001 HOUSING BUBBLE AND TECH EXPANSION NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMY IN MANUFACTURING RESOURCE TO TECHNOLOGY IDAHO’S GOLDEN DECADE GREAT RECESSION PERIOD 800,000
700,000 1978 1990-1992 1929 MICRON FOUNDED IDAHO AVOIDS NATIONAL RECESSION SIMPLOT COMPANY AS FAR ASJOB GROWTH AND UNEMPLOYMENT. FOUNDED LEADS TO ACCELERATION OF TECHNOLOGY 600,000 IN IDAHO. MICRON EXPERIENCES 1932 STRONG GROWTH. MORRISON KNUDSEN 2000-2018 FOUNDED SIGNIFICANT TECH GROWTH WITH 500,000 1973 1984 INDUSTRY PLATFORMS IN INTERNET OF THINGS, HP COMES TO IDAHO EXTENDED SYSTEMS, FINTECH, CYBERSECURITY, PROTECTION, WITH EMERGING PRINTING WITH ROOTS TO HP ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, VIRTUAL REALITY, DIVISION IS FOUNDED 400,000 1995 AUGMENTED REALITY, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING. 1939 1949 1957 MICRON ELECTRONICS SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL HAS ALBERTSON’S IDAHO NATIONAL LAB BOISE CASCADE STARTED TAKEN PLACE. FOUNDED FOUNDED FOUNDED 300,000
1977 1997 200,000 HP BRINGS SECOND DIVISION IDAHO REGARDED (MEMORY AND STORAGE) AS TECH HUB BY THE MILKEN INSTITUTE
100,000
0
1939 1944 1949 1954 1959 1964 1969 1974 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004 2009 2019
Data Source: Idaho Department of Labor
2020 48 TOTAL NONFARM JOB GROWTH FROM 1990: IDAHO AND ITS SURROUNDING STATES
Idaho Montana Nevada Oregon Utah Washington Wyoming US
140%
120%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
-20%
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
Data Source: Idaho Department of Labor
IDAHO TOTAL NONFARM JOBS SEASONALLY
ADJUSTED 1971-1978 BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: STRONG 1978-1987 2001-2010 2010-NOW 1939-1970 NATURAL RESOURCES AND GROWTH ERA OF TRANSITION FROM NATURAL 1987-2001 HOUSING BUBBLE AND TECH EXPANSION NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMY IN MANUFACTURING RESOURCE TO TECHNOLOGY IDAHO’S GOLDEN DECADE GREAT RECESSION PERIOD 800,000
700,000 1978 1990-1992 1929 MICRON FOUNDED IDAHO AVOIDS NATIONAL RECESSION SIMPLOT COMPANY AS FAR ASJOB GROWTH AND UNEMPLOYMENT. FOUNDED LEADS TO ACCELERATION OF TECHNOLOGY 600,000 IN IDAHO. MICRON EXPERIENCES 1932 STRONG GROWTH. MORRISON KNUDSEN 2000-2018 FOUNDED SIGNIFICANT TECH GROWTH WITH 500,000 1973 1984 INDUSTRY PLATFORMS IN INTERNET OF THINGS, HP COMES TO IDAHO EXTENDED SYSTEMS, FINTECH, CYBERSECURITY, PROTECTION, WITH EMERGING PRINTING WITH ROOTS TO HP ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, VIRTUAL REALITY, DIVISION IS FOUNDED 400,000 1995 AUGMENTED REALITY, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING. 1939 1949 1957 MICRON ELECTRONICS SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL HAS ALBERTSON’S IDAHO NATIONAL LAB BOISE CASCADE STARTED TAKEN PLACE. FOUNDED FOUNDED FOUNDED 300,000
1977 1997 200,000 HP BRINGS SECOND DIVISION IDAHO REGARDED (MEMORY AND STORAGE) AS TECH HUB BY THE MILKEN INSTITUTE
100,000
0
1939 1944 1949 1954 1959 1964 1969 1974 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004 2009 2019
IDAHO KNOWL REPORT EDGE 49 DEAL FLOW
NORTHERN 23 Total Deals Amount Bonner 5 $46.10M North CentralSoutheasternSouthwesternSouth CentralEastern Northern
Bountry 1 Undisclosed Kootenai 17 $214.48M 7+ 4-6 # of Deals by County 0-3
The deal flow report highlights Idaho companies that are starting, growing, NORTH CENTRAL and thriving. A key part of their suc- 5 Total Deals Amount cess is access to capital, which the deal flow report captures. Idaho 3 12.99M Latah 1 Undisclosed- Nez Perce 1 Undisclosed
EASTERN 14 Total Deals Amount Bonneville 5 $15.96M Clark 1 $1.00M Lemhi 3 $48.88M Madison 4 $6.88M Teton 1 $0.19M
SOUTHEASTERN 4 Total Deals Amount Bannock 3 Undisclosed Power 1 Undisclosed
SOUTHWESTERN SOUTH CENTRAL 99 Total Deals Amount 9 Total Deals Amount Ada 86 $3.85B Blaine 5 $11.64M Canyon 6 $146.40M Twin Falls 3 Undisclosed Owyhee 4 $37.06M Jerome 1 Undisclosed Payette 2 Undisclosed Valley 1 $19.90M
2020 50 NUMBER OF DEALS $TOTAL VOLUME BILLIONS $15.82 165 161 150 147 154 140 142 126 127 113 $8.16 $6.24 $4.42 $2.01 $2.34 $2.29 $1.87 $1.42 $1.65