Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Grand Opening of Candlewood Suites

Candlewood Suites will be hosting a Tailgate Party on Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 665 Pancheri Drive in Idaho Falls, just across the river from Snake River Landing’s Pier View District.  They will be celebrating their Grand Opening with the Idaho Falls Chukars Baseball team.  They will have hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, soda & cracker jacks.  There will be drawings for free Chukars tickets and other prizes.  The Idaho Falls Chukars team will be on hand to sign autographs.  Tours of the new extended stay Candlewood Suites Hotel will also be conducted.
 
Candlewood Suites is locally owned and operated.  They are focused on comfort, space and value.  At 170 properties located throughout North America, guests find spacious studio and one bedroom suites each with their own fully equipped kitchen, large workspace, overstuffed recliner, DVD players with 32" LCD TV's.  The complimentary fitness center and guest laundry are open around the clock.  The Candlewood Cupboard® is open 24 hours for snacks, refreshments, entrees and other necessities.   Also available is their Gazebo Grill for guest cookouts. Candlewood Suites hotels offer guests all of this at a very comfortable price. 
 
Candlewood Suites is with the (IHG) InterContinental Hotels Group®.  The Priority Club® Rewards allows members to collect points or miles at more than 3,800 IHG Hotels and Resorts around the world.
 
For more information about the Idaho Falls Candlewood Suites, or this event, please contact Laura Ballard (208)525-9800 or (208)681-2547.

Ribbon Cutting at Edwards Jones

The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting this
morning at a new Idaho Falls Edwards Jones location at 2539 Channing Way,
Suite 200.

Founded in 1922, Edward Jones currently boasts more than 10,000 offices in
the United States and over 11,000 financial advisors. Edward Jones provides
financial services for individual investors in the United States and,
through its affiliates, in Canada and the United Kingdom. Every aspect of
the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the
location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in
the communities in which they live and work. Edward Jones embraces the
importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients,
helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options
available today.

For more information about Edward Jones please call (208) 552-2509.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

NAI Staff Visits Snake River Landing Discovery Center

NAI Commerce One Staff Meeting attendees visited the Snake River Landing Discovery Center and enjoyed a presentation from the SRL Leasing Administrator Cindy Adolph. The Discovery Center includes a lighted model of the 400 acre development, an impressive interactive touch screen, and four LCD flat screen displays.

NAI Commere One brokers Steven Frei and Brent Butikofer will be on hand in the Discovery Center on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the Snake River Landing Pier Grand Opening celebration, along with Cindy Adolph and Eric Isom.

The Grand Opening of the Pier promises to be an exciting event for the entire Idaho Falls community. The event is free to the public and will feature the following:

· Dedication by City of Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman at 11:30 am
· Free inflatable playground for kids
· Time capsule ceremony featuring the Pier Grand Opening Essay Contest winners
· Daddy Derby hosted by Idaho Falls Magazine and Diesel Tech Magazine – register now at idahofallsmagazine.com
· Free miniature horse rides and train pull
· Free concert by local country act Moulton Jess
· Food from local restaurants, including a taste of Iggy’s Sports Grill (opening at Snake River Landing is August 2008)
· Z103 Rock Band Competition starts at 11 am
· Kids art activities, courtesy of The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho
· Garbett Homes will present the first phase of the residential plans at Snake River Landing

The Pier at Snake River Landing is 4,000 square feet and features beautifully lit arches and some of the best views of the Snake River. The Pier is located on the west side of the Snake River, just past the Pancheri Bridge.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Carpet Concepts Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and other members celebrated Carpet Concepts 10th Anniversary on Monday at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting.

Carpet Concepts began in 1998 when Brian and Lisa Peterson purchased Weller Interiors. Within in a few months of purchasing Weller Interiors, they found that they wanted to take the business in a different direction than the previous owners. They didn't want to just sell flooring. They wanted to create an environment in which they could assist people in making their homes not only more beautiful but also more functional. This is when the name Carpet Concepts was created.

In the beginning, they operated the store entirely on their own; they were truly a "mom and pop" store. They would work with a few clients at a time, as a result they became close friends with many of them. On December 23, 1999 they put a sign on the door that said they were closed for a special delivery. When their clients saw the note they new the special delivery was their second child. This is when they hired their first employee. At the time their annual sales were approximately $360,000, which for the flooring business isn't very much. But Brian and Lisa were determined to be successful.

Magically with ever year that went by, they saw notable increases in sales. As they did very little advertising, their growth stemmed from clients referring them to friends. They learned to never underestimate the power of word of mouth advertising. Brian and Lisa's philosophy of always trying to do what is best for the client has sometimes meant a loss of profit, they looked at the loss as the best advertising dollars they could spend. Their philosophy is proving itself, by the end of 2000 their annual sales had reached $600,000 and they new it was time expand and find a location that had sufficient warehouse space. It was at this time that they moved into their current location at 1930 N Woodruff. Their original store was only 3,000 square feet and the new building was 9,000 square feet. With the help of family they completed the daunting task of moving a carpet store. As soon as the new location opened the business really took off and they quickly hired 2 more employees. That year they also reached another mile stone, their annual sales surpassed $1 million.

In February of 2002 they suffered the loss of their building to a fire. This didn't stop them, with in a week they were serving customers out of a makeshift show room. With the support of contractors, clients, family and friends they were able to get back on their feet and surpassed sales from the previous year. In 2003, Lisa's parents Robert and Linda Gunnell joined the staff and still work with Carpet Concepts today. Everyone pulled together and continued work hard implementing changes when necessary and hiring when necessary.

Now in their 10th year, Carpet Concepts has annual sales of nearly $3 million. They are able to employee ten employees in house with good jobs and provide work to 12 subcontractors. Their main goal is to maintain the same level of service to their customers that they did when they first opened their doors. They are proud members of the community and look forward to serving and giving back to it for another ten years.

For more information about Carpet Concepts please call (208) 524-9177 or visit their web site at www.carpetconcepts.biz

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

JDRF Walk To Cure Diabetes at Snake River Landing

The Walk To Cure Diabetes at Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls is something NAI Commerce One agents feel strongly about supporting. We can join volunteers across the nation, as well as large corporations including Ford, Advance Auto Parts, Marshall's, Time-Warner, and Walgreens, in forwarding the cause of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.


Read more about what YOU can do to help from Snake River Landing Leasing Administrator Cindy Adolph:

This fall, Ball Ventures and Snake River Landing will be joining hundreds of other corporations throughout southeast Idaho for the Walk To Cure Diabetes. This family oriented event will be held on September 13, 2008 from 9 am to noon and will include a walk, bbq and small health fair at Snake River Landing. All proceeds from the event will support research vital to finding a cure for diabetes.

Thanks in part to JDRF, researchers feel that a cure IS in sight. Much of the groundbreaking research that has been conducted has been funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. In fact, JDRF is the largest private funder of diabetes research in the world. And, out of every dollar JDRF raises, more that an impressive 80 cents is channeled directly into diabetes research and education projects.

Our goal is to raise $25,000 for diabetes research. Based on JDRF’s history – I am sure that we will reach, if not exceed, this impressive goal with your help. I’m sure you get solicited by several non-profit organizations each year, just as we do but this event will give you an opportunity to participate in reaching our ultimate goal – A world without diabetes.

This event is very special to me personally. I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes in March of last year at the age of 37. My pancreas no longer produces any insulin and therefore I am dependent on multiple daily injections of insulin. Although Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1) is typically a disease affecting children, more recently adults like myself are being diagnosed also. It has been a learning experience an often times frustrating, however I am grateful for the knowledge I have gained and the opportunity I have to support the JDFR in raising funds and public awareness about this disease.
I want to find a cure and I’m asking for your help.

There are a number of ways you could participate:

1. Make a Corporate Contribution: There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities available, including in-kind donations. (Click here for the Interest Form in .pdf format.) For a .pdf with the details on the different Sponsorship Levels, please click here.

2. Take A Leadership Role: Form your own team within your company, family, church, or neighborhood. Simply designate a Team Captain(s), set a goal, recruit walkers, collect pledges, and then join us on September 13th. (Click here to create a team online, or download the team information .pdf document.)
3. Walk With Me On My Team: Collect pledges, get a T-Shirt, come share the camaraderie, and feel great in knowing that you helped save a life. (Click here to join TEAM SRL!) When registering for the walk be sure to select “Team SRL” as your team.
Thanks!
Cindy Adolph
Leasing Administrator

Snake River Landing
901 Pier View Drive, Suite 104
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208-557-5300
Cindy@ballventures.com
www.SnakeRiverLanding.com

Nuclear "Tour De France"

Idaho Senator Larry Craig visited France this month to learn more about Areva. This is what he had to say:

“You may remember that this May, a French company named Areva selected Bonneville County as the future home of a $2 billion uranium enrichment plant, its first such plant in the United States. Understanding that something of this magnitude has never been brought to Idaho before by the private sector, and already hearing questions from Idahoans about this proposal, I recently traveled to France to get a firsthand look at Areva's nuclear facilities and the Georges Besse II enrichment plant…

Read more at: http://craig.senate.gov/releases/ed071108.cfm

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Trellis Square: Retail, Office, Flex Space


Randy Waters presented a Keynote presentation on Trellis Square to the NAI brokers at staff meeting on Tuesday. Learn more about this retail, office, and flex space development near Hitt and Lincoln Road by watching the video produced by PMG Idaho below, or contact Randy Waters or Steven Frei at 208.525.8088. Current occupants include The Home Emporium, Rocknack's Hardware (Hardware Hank), Carpet Mart, The Railing Company, and Intermountain Erectors Incorporated. Pad sites are available with build to suit options as well as office, retail, and flex space for lease.



Saturday, July 5, 2008

Happy 4th of July!


Michelle Ziel and Steve and Ken Frei did a great job setting up the Snake River Landing booth at the Liberty Festival in Idaho Falls. The
give-aways were a hit, especially the patriotic LED fans. Way to go team!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

NAI Commerce One and Snake River Landing to Participate in AT&T Liberty Festival on the Falls


This year marks the second anniversary of a new way Idaho Falls to honors our nation's independence. The AT & T Liberty Festival on the Falls will bridge the gap between the parade in the morning and the fireworks display in the evening. The beautiful Snake River is the picturesque backdrop for the day's festivities.

The smell of delicious food and the sounds of children's laughter will fill the air on Memorial Drive between Broadway and E Street. Over 20 food vendors will be on hand to fill any craving from snow cones to Bar-B-Q. Business vendors will showcase their products and arts/crafts vendors will display their wares. Among other things, large military vehicles, fire trucks, and other mega machines will adorn the street for all to admire.

If that isn't enough, non-profit organizations from all over Eastern Idaho will have fair like games and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Children will be astonished at the sheer size and amount of jumpers, rock climbing walls and more to entertain them for hours. Finally, it wouldn't be a festival without live music, a battle of the bands, and fun contests. Bring the whole family, you won't want to miss Idaho Falls at its best. --Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce

Come join the fun, and don't forget to stop at the Snake River Landing booth that will have information on the development, as well as some fun give-aways. NAI Commerce One brokers Steven Frei, Alison Frei, Kaly Shippen, and Brent Butikofer will be taking shifts during the event if you have questions, along with Snake River Landing leasing administrator CindyAdolf.

Gem State Prospector Training July 11th in Idaho Falls

Jerry Miller with the Idaho Department of Commerce will be offering a free training on the Gem State Prospector, Idaho's new GIS based land and building inventory website.


When: Friday, July 11th 9:30 AM
Where: 1508 Midway ( Greater Idaho Falls Assoc. of REALTORS Board Office; If you travel north down 17th, it's the first street, past K-Mart, on the left.)
Who: Any who has commercial property for sale
Cost: FREE
Why: A free tool to promote commercial properties to potential companies looking to expand/relocate here.

RSVP if you are interested in attending, send RSVP to this email chiefeo@gifar.org as soon as possible.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

State, Federal Governments agree on INL Buried Waste Cleanup Plan Settlement provides long-term protection for Snake River Plain Aquifer (IDAHO FALLS)

DOE News Release For Immediate Release
July 1, 2008 Media Contacts: Brad Bugger, (208) 526-0833 Danielle Miller, (208) 526-5709 –

The State of Idaho and the federal government today announced their agreement to a cleanup plan for buried waste at the Idaho National Laboratory that provides for the long-term protection of the Snake River Plain Aquifer. The agreement implements a 2006 federal court order in coordination with ongoing Superfund cleanup of the area. It marks the end of six years of litigation between the U.S. Department of Energy and the State of Idaho, and it will satisfy DOE’s commitment to Idaho to remove transuranic (plutonium-contaminated) waste buried at INL decades ago.

“This agreement reflects years of effort, scientific advancement, diligent follow-up, and most of all building trust,” Governor Otter said. “We enter into this agreement confident that it is in the best interest of the aquifer, the Idaho National Laboratory, and all Idahoans. With the support of my predecessors in this office, it represents our best effort – and our highest aspirations – for securing a safe and productive future.” “Today’s plan satisfies the requirements of Judge Lodge’s 2006 decision by requiring the removal of transuranic waste from Idaho, consistent with the court’s direction to protect worker safety,” Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said.

“Although our litigation was lengthy, it concluded in a sensible agreement to fulfill DOE’s commitment to Idaho.” “The Department of Energy is pleased to reach an agreement with the state of Idaho on a cleanup plan that assures the Snake River Plain is protected,” DOE Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management James A. Rispoli said. “After an extensive evaluation of technical data and careful consideration of public input, we believe this approach will be protective of the environment and ensure worker safety and our national security.”

Former Idaho Governors Phil Batt and Cecil Andrus, whose previous negotiations with DOE laid the foundation for today’s agreement, also attended today’s announcement. “This framework takes a practical, comprehensive approach to address an issue that does not have an easy solution,” former Governor Batt said. “It is an important step toward achieving a goal I set back in 1995 – proper cleanup of INL’s historic problems.”

“Finally, after all of these years, the federal government has agreed to comply with the removal of the transuranic waste that has been buried in Idaho for too long,” former Governor Andrus said. “EPA is glad to see this issue resolved.

The waste retrieval required by this settlement is consistent with the proposed cleanup strategy for site and an important step forward in dealing with the waste disposal legacy at the Idaho National Lab,” EPA Regional Administrator Elin Miller said.

The cleanup plan was developed after an exhaustive technical review and balancing of potential risks to the public, workers, and the environment. The plan takes into account public feedback to a draft proposal issued under the Superfund cleanup process. Most of the radioactivity from plutonium and other transuranic elements buried in the Subsurface Disposal Area is located in a small percentage of the waste volume. The plan identifies a range from 5.7 acres to 7.4 acres for shipment of no less than 7,485 cubic meters of targeted wastes most likely to be contaminated with transuranic elements (such as plutonium), as well as uranium, and volatile organic compounds (hazardous chemical solvents similar to cleaning fluids that move easily in groundwater). Retrieval areas were selected based on the densities of waste identified through disposal records and geophysical evaluations, and a review of factors that may affect the relative risks to cleanup workers, the public and the environment.

DOE will treat retrieved waste for shipment out of Idaho. The plan addresses remaining contamination in the Subsurface Disposal Area through a combination of continued vacuuming of hazardous chemical vapors, grouting of some more mobile contaminants, and a long-term cap. Long-term monitoring and reevaluation of cleanup performance at least every five years will assure the approach is protecting the public and safeguarding the aquifer.

The cleanup of the Subsurface Disposal involves two different legal processes: (1) removal of transuranic waste under the 1995 Settlement Agreement between the State and DOE, and (2) overall Superfund cleanup of contamination from the Subsurface Disposal Area. The legal documents that will work together to govern these two aspects of cleanup of the Subsurface Disposal Area are: 1. Agreement to Implement U.S. District Court Order dated May 25, 2006, subject to approval by U.S. District Court Judge Edward Lodge. 2. Record of Decision for Waste Area Group 7 (a draft is in the review process by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, State of Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Department of Energy). The Subsurface Disposal Area at the INL began receiving waste in 1952. The area contains a wide array of radioactive and chemical wastes, located in approximately 35 acres of disposal pits and trenches in a 97-acre site. Transuranic (plutonium-contaminated) waste from the Rocky Flats Plant in Colorado is distributed unevenly in pits and trenches in roughly 15 acres of the landfill. Cleanup of the Subsurface Disposal Area has long been the subject of disputes between Idaho and DOE.

In 2002, Idaho brought legal proceedings in U.S. District Court to determine DOE’s obligation to Idaho under the 1995 Settlement Agreement regarding transuranic waste in the Subsurface Disposal Area. In May 2006, U.S. District Court Judge Edward Lodge determined the 1995 Settlement Agreement obligates DOE to remove transuranic waste from the Subsurface Disposal Area, with safety of waste removal taken into account. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld Judge Lodge’s decision. DOE has prepared a fact sheet regarding its performance under the Idaho Settlement Agreement and other legal agreements. More information is available at https://idahocleanupproject.com .