Idaho Ranks High in Entrepreneurial Activity in 2009

Idaho was one of the nation’s leaders in entrepreneurial activity in 2009, according to a national study by a Kansas City, Mo., nonprofit.  According to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, startup businesses blossomed during the recession years of 2007 to 2009. Nationally, business startups reached their highest level in 14 years, according to a press release from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan fund that promotes entrepreneurship.

“Challenging economic times can serve as a motivational boost to individuals who have been laid off to become their own employers and future job creators,” said Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation, which released the study May 24.

Read the full article in the Idaho Business Review here.

Idaho SIOR Sees Improvement in the Office Market

It's great to hear news like this from fellow Idaho commercial real estate professionals!

From Idaho Business Review Reports...

Debbie Martin, president of the Idaho chapter of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, maintains a positive attitude about an office market that remains sluggish but offers some opportunities.

She is “taking the market we have and dealing with it,” she said. Instead of waiting for conditions to improve, she’s staying proactive when it comes to finding and pursuing deals, and trying to put herself in the shoes of clients or prospective clients. She had more planned and expected deals in the pipeline as of the first week and a half of 2010 than she did during many periods of 2009, she said.

Click here for the full article.

Idaho's Tax Burden Among the Lowest in the Nation

The Idaho Business Review reported today that Idaho has the sixth lowest overall per capita tax burden in the country and the lowest tax burden among western states, according to the latest tax burden study published by the Idaho Tax Commission. Click Here to read the entire article.

Downtown Idaho Falls Ribbon Cutting

Event video featuring the 12/10 Ribbon Cutting with Thomas Development, The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, & Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman at the newly renovated Earl Building in downtown Idaho Falls:



YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Gcxp6no9o

NAI Commerce One Brokers Attend Regional ICSC Meetings

NAI Commerce One brokers Brent Butikofer and Brent Wilson attended the ICSC Pacific Northwest/Intermountain Regional Program in Boise, Idaho on Thursday, which featured Retailers, Developers and Consultants looking to develop in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana and Wyoming. The program included updates from Brokers located throughout the Northwest and Intermountain Regions, as well as discussions from lenders and retailers on their respective markets, expectations, and corporate deal requirements. 

The keynote speaker was Jim Angresano, PHD in Economics from the College of Idaho, Caldwell, ID.  In addition to the educational aspects of the meeting, Wilson and Butikofer also had the opportunity to network with retail brokers, retailers, and developers from across the region and showcase NAI Commerce One / Jackson Hole's listed retail properties.

Heart of Idaho Century Ride

Eastern Idaho cycling enthusiasts are looking forward to the inaugural "Heart of Idaho Century Ride" on August 22nd. The event is being hosted by The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho to celebrate the exhibit "Cycles of Sam".

There are 25, 50, 62 mile options in addition to the century. The event will also feature a bike festival from 11 to 4 pm at Snake River Landing with food, a bike rodeo, a bike parade, and art projects for adults, families & kids as they cheer for the returning Century riders.

NAI broker Brent Butikofer, his wife, and six children plan to do the 25 miler, and marketing director Kaly Shippen is planning to do the 50 mile option.

NAI's multi-family specialist Doug Powell is the chair of the fundraising committee for this event, and he and his wife Kathleen are also sponsors. An art and history enthusiast, Doug was also recently elected to serve on the Museum of Eastern Idaho's Board of Directors.

For more information on the event or to register, please visit the Heart of Idaho Century Ride Web Site.

Not Just Another Mountain Town

Why Teton Valley Idaho is a hidden jewel in the Gem State

Positioned on the western side at the foot of the Teton Range, Teton Valley Idaho represents not one, but four superb mountain towns nestled in the midst of a steadfast rural, agricultural and ranching community.

At the northern end of the Valley lies the City of Tetonia, ID population 247 (2000 census). At the center of the Valley lies the City of Driggs, ID population 1,100 (2000 census). At the eastern edge of the Valley lies the Town of Alta, WY population 400 (2000 census). At the southern end of the Valley lies the City of Victor, ID population 840 (2000 census).

Each location offers a its own diverse flavor of mountain town living, centered around the principal theme – “…go outside and play…”

As you commute to your job during the week, or commute to your favorite park to play on the weekend, consider these Teton Valley facts;

1-2 minutes drive to: World Class Fly Fishing; Cross Country Skiing;
15-30 minutes drive to: Grand Targhee Resort; championship Golf; Hiking, Mountain Biking
15-45 minutes drive to: Upland Game + Bird Hunting;
30-45 minutes drive to: Jackson Hole WY; Grand Teton National Park;
90-120 minutes drive to: Yellowstone National Park

Ever considered shifting gears during your commute? National Geographic has. In April 2009, National Geographic announced that Driggs, ID would be the home of the first Geotourism Center in the US. Teton Valley lies within the Greater Yellowstone Region, and its selection as a center for sustainable tourism reinforces the beauty and significance of this region.

Confused? Here’s a simple explanation of Geotourism provided by National Geographic.

“Geotourism is the kind of travel that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.”

Teton Valley Idaho is evolving from a once predominantly rural/ag./ranch community into one that includes recreation based tourism. This transition has brought both public and private development projects.

Private development tends to garner ample media coverage, and Teton Valley’s growth has generated its fair share of News through large scale projects including the Grand Targhee Expansion; Huntsman Springs; Teton Springs; Teton Reserve; Teton Saddleback Vistas, among many others. Each of these projects reflect different phases of the development cycle, some are complete pending construction of homes on previously sold lots; some are being completed in phases; others are yet to break ground.

Public development has gained momentum over recent months and threatens to rival the pace of the private folks. Idaho Transportation Department’s investment in Scenic Byways during 2009 will work in parallel with National Geographic through the construction of the new Geotourism Center; Urban Renewal funds will see streetscape improvements constructed in Driggs; Teton Basin Ice + Recreation will soon commence construction on the new Ice Arena in Victor as soon as Steel is delivered, whilst the new Transit Facility will be constructed alongside the Ice Arena this summer.

Forward planning continues in Victor with the work of Envision Victor, an organization created following the receipt of a $100,000 grant from the Orton Family Foundation to guide the Community through a detailed planning process

“Envision Victor seeks to implement a new kind of planning in our City, a process that is focused on engaging our citizens, bridging our divisions, and honoring our shared values, in order to realize a vibrant and enduring Victor for years to come. The first phase of the project will last two years, but we hope it will continue well beyond.

The Goals and Objectives of Envision Victor are summarized as;
• Engage and connect all segments of the Victor community
• Describe and articulate the City’s Heart and Soul
• Enhance a sense of belonging
• Enact a new model of planning and decision making
• Develop a land use plan that incorporates visions and values of its citizens
• Strengthen the ability of the Citizens to integrate the ideas of the Citizens into tangible products such as transportation, capital improvements and main street plans

Construction will commence in mid July 2009 on a Bike Park in Victor. An initiative of non-profit Victor Velo, City of Victor has approved development of a bike park within the boundaries of Pioneer Park. An in‐town bike park is designed to pack as much fun as possible into a small space while teaching the youth of Victor Idaho about the lifetime sport of cycling. Victor Velo will begin the construction of a pump track & set of dirt jumps as the next step towards a multi‐discipline cycling facility unique to Southeast Idaho. A pump track is a cycling feature that looks similar to a skate board park, but made of dirt, and is designed to accommodate cyclists of all ages and skill levels.”

With so much activity on the horizon in an otherwise dark economic environment, it is imperative that growth Teton Valley is managed with the degree of stewardship deserving of the Greater Yellowstone Geotourism region.

With its many wildlife corridors and unspoiled vast wilderness areas, this delicate ecosystem, combined with unparalleled recreation has been seeking a way to harmonize with one another. Recent changes in City and County Planning Ordinances has cast a might tighter net across growth and will result in more intensive scrutiny of development proposed in designated wildlife corridors and wetland areas, potentially making development in those areas difficult and costly.

To learn more about Development + Business opportunities in the Teton Valley and Jackson Hole region, contact Meagan Hill, NAI Jackson Hole (307) 734-8700, meagan@naijacksonhole.com

To receive a copy of a power-point presentation detailing Teton Valley’s growth and supply, including economic changes, contact Julie Bryan, Broker/Owner of Windermere Real Estate/Teton Valley/Jackson Hole. You can email jbryan@windermere.com or call 307-699-0205.

Order or Download a copy of National Geographic’s Greater Yellowstone Geotourism Map

Download a copy of the Commonsense Guidelines to Living in Teton Valley

Written by Meagan Hill with contributions from Julie Bryan

Writer's Bio.

Meagan Hill is a Commercial Real Estate Investments Specialist with NAI Jackson Hole. Born in Sydney, Australia, Meagan's career began in Construction + Property Development including both private development and government agency work, reaching from Australia to Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas and onwards as far as India and Italy. During her career, Meagan's roles have varied immensely, covering a broad spectrum of the real estate, property development and construction industries. Meagan is a Green Star Accredited Professional (Australian equivalent of LEED) and brings a commercially viable, sustainable perspective to her work. Meagan has received several industry awards including winner of the National Association of Women in Construction Award (2000) and Young Achiever of the Year (2006) from the Property Council of Australia (ACT) Australia.

Full of Hot Air!

In partnership with Windermere Real Estate, NAI Commerce One / Jackson Hole is sponsoring a hot air balloon in the Teton Valley Summer Festival that runs July 3rd-July 5th. The festival brings people from miles around to enjoy the Independence Day holiday. The famous hot air ballooning is only part of the excitement. There is also a pancake breakfast, live music, old time fiddlers, a parade, and fireworks.

Other great activities are happening all over Eastern Idaho on the 4th of July, not the least of which is the acclaimed Melaleuca Freedom Celebration that brings tens of thousands of people to watch the fireworks on the Snake River greenbelt in Idaho Falls. Another fun destination is Menan where people from Jefferson County flock to enjoy kids races, a parade, 3-on-3 basketball, a softball tournament, and even fireworks.

Video Tour: 17th Street Retail Property

Join Brent Wilson on his first self-produced commercial real estate VIDEO tour with a Flip camcorder!

Property For Sale: Timberline Bar & Grill in Victor, ID

Retire to the Tetons! Well located, popular Bar & Grill for sale in the center of downtown Victor, ID, just 30 minutes from Jackson Hole, WY. Superbly located at the base of the Teton Range with views of the Big Hole Mountains to the west. Powder skiing within 30 minutes drive or try one of seven championship golf courses, the nearest just 3 minutes drive.

Property features 5,800 square foot stick framed building complete with bar, dining room, billiard room, events/function room, outside patio seating and kitchen. Dining room, kitchen and equipment renovated in 2000 ($240,000 invested). Balance sheet, P+L available.

Liquor license for sale by negotiation.

Price: $1,300,000 + liquor license. Adjacent undeveloped parcel of land 0.5 acres also available for $625,000.

For more information on this property, please contact NAI Commerce One / Jackson Hole brokers Meagan Hill or Steven Keim by email, or call them at (208) 525-8088.

Download the property flyer here.

Idaho Falls and Pocatello Ranked in the Top 5 of Outdoor Life's Top 200 Towns

Idaho towns were well represented in Outdoor Life's 2nd Annual Top 200 Towns for Sportsmen.

Lewiston was the top ranked town, followed by Idaho Falls at third and Pocatello at fifth for the most affordable, thriving, and "perfectly wild" towns in America. Outdoor Life considered factors such as cost of living, amenities, fishable and huntable species, trophy potential, and proximity to public access.

"According to Outdoor Life, "Idaho Falls straddles the Upper Snake River and is located in one of the most game-rich areas of the country....Legendary blue ribbon trout streams—including the Henry’s Fork, the South Fork of the Snake, the Beaverhead, the Madison, Silver Creek and the Big Hole—abound in the area, providing anglers with a different river to float or wade nearly every day of the week."

The magazine calls Pocatello, home to Idaho State University, "the rare college town with a true outdoors vibe." They say that "Pocatello’s location at the intersection of Interstates 15 and 86 gives residents easy access to the natural wonder of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, and the big-city offerings of Salt Lake City and Boise."

Other Idaho towns to make the list include Hailey, Couer d'Alene, Payette, Orofino, and Rexburg. Check out the article here.

Idaho Falls AREVA Project Named Top Corporate Facility Deal of 2008

The cover story for May's "Site Selection" magazine features the Idaho Falls AREVA project at the top of its list of North American corporate facility deals of 2008. (Yes, the list is alphabetical, but who cares!) Several groups were praised for their involvement in the deal, including Grow Idaho Falls, Inc., the Idaho Department of Commerce, the Idaho National Lab, the Eastern Idaho Economic Development Partnership, and the Regional Development Alliance.

According to the article, the "Top Deals are determined by level of capital investment, degree of high-value jobs, creativity in negotiations and incentives, regional economic impact, competition for the project and speed to market."

Way to go, IDAHO and AREVA!

Portneuf Greenway Foundation to present at Pocatello Chamber Luncheon

Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce members will meet on Friday, May 1, 2009 for the monthly General Membership Meeting. Trade Tables open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch and the meeting begin at Noon at the Red Lion Hotel - Pocatello. R.S.V.P. to the Chamber office at 233-1525 or amiles@pocatelloidaho.com.

The program will feature the Portneuf Greenway Foundation. Since the inception of the Portneuf Greenway in 1992, the board has strived to complete a trail that will benefit the health and economic well being of the people living in Pocatello and Bannock County. Through additional funding we hope to connect the small pieces of trail into one continuous system from the Simplot Don Plant to the Portneuf Gap. This trail will be available to walkers, riders, and runners.

Many people wishing to change locations look at locations with outdoor recreational opportunities. We already have great mountain bike trails, skiing locations, fishing places and beautiful natural scenic areas. With the completion of the Portneuf Greenway, Pocatello will continue to attract the type of people who enjoy these amenities.

The luncheon is sponsored by Bangs Office Products.

Wind Farm News: Ridgeline Energy enters into power purchase agreement for Idaho project

The Idaho Business Review reported Thursday that Ridgeline Energy, a Seattle-based firm with wind developments in eastern Idaho, has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Southern California Edison to deliver between 90 MW and 130 MW of power from its Goshen Phase II project east of Idaho Falls.

The project, a joint development between Ridgeline and BP Wind Energy, has been through the permitting process and is ready to be built.

Click here to read the full article.

Idaho Falls CAES Dedicated

Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and the state’s U.S. Congressional delegation on Feb. 20 joined officials with the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho’s three largest universities and the Department of Energy to officially dedicate the Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls.

The center, a 55,000-square-foot, $17 million energy research laboratory, is a partnership between INL, the universities and private industry that will focus on education, training and research into solutions for energy problems facing the nation. According to the CAES web site, CAES integrates resources, capabilities and expertise to create new research capabilities, expand researcher-to-researcher collaborations, and enhance energy-related educational opportunities. From a broad energy perspective that includes fossil, renewable, alternative energy, environmental stewardship, energy policy studies, and a focus on the national renaissance of commercial nuclear power, CAES delivers innovative, cost-effective, credible energy research leading to sustainable technology-based economic development. Read the full Idaho Business Review article on the dedication here.

Agriculture Remains A Stabilizing Economic Force in Idaho

The University of Idaho "Financial Condition of Idaho Agriculture" report was submitted to the Idaho House Agricultural Affairs Committee this week in Boise. Read the Idaho Business Review article about the report by clicking here.

Idaho Falls: Gateway to the Splendors of Targhee and the Tetons….Wydaho, USA

Get up in the morning in Idaho Falls and face the East. Only 50 miles as the eagle flies is the magnificent playground of Teton Valley, Idaho and the Targhee National Forest. Toss in a couple of National Parks, Jackson, and the Grand Loop highway connecting them all and you have – Wydaho! Idaho Falls and Rexburg are spoiled by the incredible recreational opportunities and splendor of the most expansive public playground in the continental U.S.

Whether driving from Idaho Falls through beautiful Swan Valley the 64 miles to Victor, or the 46 miles from Rexburg to Driggs, one cannot help but be struck by the Teton mountain range overlooking Teton County, Idaho. Sure, there is also a Teton County, Wyoming where world famous Jackson Hole thrives, but for residents of the Idaho Falls/Rexburg corridor, it is one big, beautiful Wydaho playground.

Skiing at Grand Targhee Resort has long been a too well kept secret for us. That is about to change. Grand Targhee resort is just a dozen miles up the road from Driggs, and it has joined the elite list of major national ski areas now with over 2,500 acres of ski terrain on two peaks with the base at 8,000 feet. Located in that same Caribou – Targhee National Forest, the ski area enjoys over 500 inches of fresh powder annually. There are 15 km of groomed Nordic Ski Trails, 5 trails and track set plus a skating lane.

The Teton Valley, Idaho basin meets with state line of Wyoming at the foot of Teton Range, the 40 mile long mountain front rising some 6,000 feet from the valley floor. Anchored by Grand Teton peak at 13,770 feet (4,198 m)--- and at least twelve pinnacles over 12,000 feet (3,658 m), there are seven morainal lakes that adorn the base of the range, and more than 100 alpine lakes dot the backcountry. Add the 2.63 Million acres of the Caribou-Targhee National Forests, including the two major Wilderness Areas inside it, and two of the nation’s most impressive national parks, Teton and Yellowstone, and we think you get the idea. If it is an outdoor lifestyle that works for you, this part of the world offers you some work.

Major efforts are underway for the enhancement of Teton Valley, Idaho. Lead by a long awaited, recently approved expansion of Grand Targhee Resort, the valley is now home to four new major golf course resorts, major urban renewal projects being undertaken by both Driggs and Victor cities, and a major new environmental movement recently accomplished by the Teton County Commission. That broad Planned Unit Development Ordinance assures a future of a very controlled and sensitive future for development within the County.

The year 2008 has brought about major new plans with substantial federal grants for urban renewal, combined with the new Geo Tourism center becoming a spotlight for the National Geographic publication this Spring, launching Driggs and the Teton Valley into a whole different dimension of tourism. What is designated as the “Grand Loop” now includes a scenic byway plan linking Victor and Driggs Idaho into Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

All of this, and you get there from here, Idaho Falls and Rexburg – the Gateway to Wydaho, USA!

Wydaho! Press Release Date: December 17, 2008

Contact: Bill Coleman bill@billcoleman.com 435-901-3600, or Julie Bryan jbryan@windermere.com 307-699-0205

Otter Pledges to Grow Idaho's Economy

Idaho Business Review reporter Simon Shifrin reports:

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter said he hopes to “under promise and over deliver” on his pledge to grow Idaho’s annual gross domestic product from $51 billion to $60 billion by the time he leaves office during his “state of the state address to the business community” at The Grove Hotel in Boise [on August 28th]...

Read more from the Idaho Business Review...