Idahoan Foods LLC to Move Corporate Headquarters to Downtown Idaho Falls

A press conference was held today at noon at Idaho Falls City Council
Chambers to announce the new location of Idahoan Foods LLC Corporate
Headquarters at Constitution Plaza in Historic Downtown Idaho Falls. 

The press conference went as follows:

Moderator: Steven Frei, NAI Commerce One / President, Grow Idaho Falls
Executive Board
Welcome:Steven Frei
Speaker:Gordon Lewis, CEO of Idahoan Foods LLC
Speaker:Tom Mannschreck, President, CEO, and Owner of Thomas Development Co.
Remarks:Bob Everhart, Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation Executive
Director; Linda Martin, CEO of Grow Idaho Falls; Jared Fuhriman, Mayor of
Idaho Falls.
Q & A.

In addition to the press conference participants, attendees included the
local media, legislators Janice McGeachin and Jeff Thompson, Idaho Falls
City Council Members Ida Hardcastle and Sharon Parry, IFDDC Board President
Kevin Cutler, Idahoan Foods LLC Executives and family members, Thomas
Development, Pacific West Construction, e2co, Glancey Rockwell & Associates,
Musgrove Engineering, NAI Commerce One agents, City of Idaho Falls
employees, and the general public.

Here is the official press release:

Idahoan Foods® LLC to Move Headquarters to Downtown Idaho Falls

Idaho-based potato company will maintain plant and production in Lewisville

Idaho Falls, ID, April 21, 2011 – Idaho Falls, Idaho –Apr. 21, 2011– Idahoan
Foods LLC, makers of authentic, great tasting, and convenient Idaho® potato
products, will move its corporate headquarters from Lewisville, Idaho to
downtown Idaho Falls in the fall.

Idahoan Foods LLC has maintained its corporate offices in Jefferson County
for more than half a century and will continue processing operations in
Lewisville. The company will relocate all non-production related personnel
offices to a newly renovated, 17,000 sq. ft. office space in historic
downtown Idaho Falls. The new corporate headquarters will be located at 357
Constitution Way in Constitution Plaza. The building is being renovated by
owner Thomas Development who completed similar improvements to the nearby
Earl Building.

Gordon Lewis, President & CEO of Idahoan Foods LLC said, "because of the
considerable growth we've experienced since the new Idahoan Foods was formed
in 2007, it has become necessary for us to move our corporate offices to a
building in a nearby city, closer to the home of a majority of our corporate
employees, that has adequate space for today and room for future expansion."

Moving to Idaho Falls will afford Idahoan better access to facilities,
tools, and opportunities it needs to continue on its growth path while
maintaining close ties to the company's roots and growers, he added.

Steven Frei and Brent Butikofer of NAI Commerce One in Idaho Falls brokered
the deal with Idahoan. Having represented Thomas Development in a variety
of real estate transactions, they saw an opportunity to connect a quality
owner with a long-term commitment to downtown Idaho Falls with an excellent
tenant who will be a catalyst for renewed vitality in the heart of the city.

Steven Frei said, "We saw an opportunity to create a win-win situation for
Idahoan Foods and for downtown Idaho Falls. Idahoan executives caught the
vision and they are excited about the central location, the on-site parking,
the accessibility to restaurants, and the proximity to the greenbelt."

Idahoan has been working closely with Tom and Barbara Mannschreck, the
owners of Thomas Development, to plan the remodel. Historic preservation is
a priority in the renovations that will transform the former home of the
Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership into a first class office
building.

About Idahoan Foods LLC

Combining a full-service network of professionals from field to fork,
Idahoan Foods LLC is a leading manufacturer of value-added products. Its
potato processing plants and nationally recognized retail, club, and
foodservice brands of products—Idahoan®, Honest Earth®, and Idaho Supreme®—,
along with ingredient brands Paradise Valley®, allow Idahoan Foods, LLC to
deliver superior quality and value to its customers. For more information
visit www.idahoan.com. Follow Idahoan Foods on facebook and twitter.

About Thomas Development Co.

Since its inception in 1990, Thomas Development Co., headquartered in Boise,
has grown to become one of Idaho's leading multi-family real estate
developers and investment managers. Under the direction of owner Thomas C.
Mannschreck, the company specializes in market-rate apartments, tax credit
apartments, assisted-living facilities, townhomes, and suburban professional
office buildings. Its portfolio includes more than 700 apartment units and
100,000 square feet of commercial buildings. Thomas Development's talented
and responsive management team offers expertise in site analysis and
acquisition, investment analysis, tax credit applications and syndication,
and land-use planning. For more information, visit
www.thomasdevelopment.com

Contact: Kaly Gillette Shippen, NAI Commerce One Marketing Director
Phone: 208.525.8088 Email: marketing@nai-idaho.com

Wind Farms Running at Full Capacity

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- The windmills on the east bench of Idaho Falls are in
full operation, according to its managers.

Ridgeline Energy and BP Wind Energy said Thursday that their 124.5 megawatt
wind farm will generate enough power for over 37,000 homes.

Ridgeline said the Goshen North Wind Farm project is Idaho's largest wind
farm on approximately 11,000 acres and utilizes 83 GE xle wind turbine
generators, each with a rated capacity of 1.5 MW. It's located about 10
miles east of Idaho Falls.

The company said the project will employ a staff of 10 full time workers.
During construction, approximately 250 workers were employed.

"Today marks the culmination of nearly ten years of effort to make this
project a reality," said Steve Voorhees, CEO, Ridgeline Energy. "Idaho Falls
and Bonneville County have a long tradition of developing and using clean
energy technology, and we are proud to be a part of that tradition."

Read the full article by Local News 8 here:
http://www.localnews8.com/news/25636620/detail.html

EIAA Monthly Meeting: Legislative Candidates Forum on October 13th

Come get to know the candidates that are running for the State
representative positions in District 33.  Find out where they stand on
important issues that affect our industry. Candidates will take 5 minutes
to introduce themselves and their positions, followed by questions and
answers.

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 at Hard Hat Steak House 
Networking and dinner: 6:00PM
Program: 7:00 PM

Bart Weaver, President
Eastern Idaho Apartment Association (EIAA)
www.eiaa.info

For Sale: 3,775 Acre River Rim Ranch

River Rim Ranch is located 7 miles west of Tetonia on Highway 33, providing convenient access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, world-class hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, and skiing.  Green Canyon Hot Springs is just a few minutes away. The city of Idaho Falls is located 60 miles to the southwest, and skiing at Grand Targhee or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is just a short drive away.

 The property features:

• Elevated panoramic views of the Teton, Big Hole, and Centennial Mountain ranges, including breathtaking four peak cathedral views of the Tetons
• Over two miles of Teton River frontage with spectacular canyon views and river access
• Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing
• Greg Norman Signature Golf Course (designed and shaped)
• 654 cabin, home, and equestrian sites (218 sold and 436 available) plus 6 commercial lots
• Ready to build home sites with all utilities to lot edge
• Structures include the West Rim Office Building, the Ranch Manager’s home and barn, and the Overlook Lodge
• Over 1/3 of the acreage is final plat approved
• River Rim’s Master Plan protects the natural landscape and agricultural heritage , adhering to Teton County’s Agricultural Planned Unit Development criteria

Click here to download a PDF flyer with more information, or contact Steven Keim at (208) 525-8088.

New Potato Plant Breaks Ground in the Burley / Heyburn, Idaho Industrial Park

Burley, ID: A new potato dehydration plant that will bring 50 new jobs to
the area broke ground yesterday at the Burley/Heyburn Industrial Park. City
of Burley Economic Developer Doug Manning said the Oregon Potato Co., which
will do business in Idaho as Gem State Processing, has its headquarters in
Pasco, Washington.

"We've been working with company representatives from Gem State Processing
for several weeks, and we're excited to see the beginning of construction,"
Manning said in a written statement. "The development will help diversify
the local economy and create jobs."

Manning said Tuesday that during a phone interview that most of the
company's new hires will be local residents.

The company plans to begin operations by the second quarter of 2011, said
Bill Schow, general manager for Gem State Processing.

Manning said the company will produce a potato flake that will be used in
other products. The company will be located toward the north end of the
industrial park.

Burley officials along with officials from the city of Heyburn and Minidoka
County and the Boyer Co., which manages the industrial park, have been
actively involved in negotiations in order to get the project off the
ground, Manning said. The project contractor is Max Gabbard Construction of
Yakima, Wash.

"You never know what might happen because of this one," Manning said, adding
that he may have another economic development announcement later this month.

(Originally in the Magic Valley Times-News, 08-11-2010, Written by Laurie
Welch.)

Self-Storage / Condo Storage Land For Sale

Steven Keim | NAI Commerce One | (208) 525-8088 Bennett / Vernon Ave, Idaho Falls, ID Self-Storage / Condo Storage Land 8.74 acres Vacant Land offered at $648,000 Lot Size 8.74 acres DESCRIPTION 8.74 Acres conveniently located just off Yellowstone Highway and Lincoln Road with easy access to Highway 20 and Interstate 15. Near many multi-family developments and Pinecrest Golf Course. Zoned C-1. Price includes complete architectural drawings for a multi-building storage unit / condo storage project. Excellent investment opportunity at $1.70/SF. see additional photos below ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Contact info: Steven Keim NAI Commerce One (208) 525-8088 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Aug 20, 2010, 1:23am PDT

Boise-Based Developer Enthusiastic About Projects in Idaho Falls

Thomas Development is pleased to announce its plans to renovate Constitution Plaza in Idaho Falls, formerly known as the "EICAP Building", which they recently purchased from the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership.  Tom and Barbara Mannschreck, the owners of Thomas Development, love downtown Idaho Falls and see great potential in the 16,440 square foot building that boasts its own parking lot directly across from the city offices.  Thomas Development also owns and has renovated the nearby Earl Building at 525 Park Avenue.

Tom and Barbara have been working closely with downtown Idaho Falls experts, their development team, and their local property manager and broker Steven Frei to plan the renovations, which includes renaming the building “Constitution Plaza”.  John Hart, the director of Downtown Idaho Falls Development Corporation and Jan Blickenstaff, the City of Idaho Falls grants administrator, have been extremely helpful.  Jan is retiring but plans to remain available as a resource to the city and developers because of his commitment to Idaho Falls. Constitution Plaza will be extensively renovated, both interior and exterior. The owners will seek LEED certification and will also apply to the Idaho Falls Historic Preservation Commission for historic façade renovation grants.  

The Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership will move all of its operations to a single location in 2011.  Constitution Plaza will then become available for lease for one large or several smaller office tenants. Steven Frei and Brent Butikofer of NAI Commerce One brokered the sale of the building and may be contacted about leasing opportunities.

Thomas Development has two other developments in Idaho Falls. Rosslare on 12th and Hoopes is an affordable 48 Unit senior apartment and opened last summer.  Summerhill is an 80 unit housing development that opened this month. 

Summerhill "follows our pattern of developing low- and moderate- income housing for families," said Tom Mannschreck.  Like the adjacent Rosslare development, Summerhill will have Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  

For questions, please contact Kaly Shippen at (208) 525-8088 or email kaly@nai-idaho.com

August AREVA Meetings to be held in Boise and Idaho Falls

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold 2 meetings in ID next week regarding the AREVA Eagle Rock Enrichment Plant project – PLEASE ATTEND ONE OF THEM!

Monday, August 9 in Boise at the Oxford Suites Hotel, 1426 S. Entertainment Ave., in Boise, from 7-9:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 12 in Idaho Falls at the Red Lion Hotel, 475 River Parkway, from 7:30-10 p.m.

If you have questions, or wish to know pertinent issues for the EIS, you can call GIFI office 208-522-2014 or Lane Allgood, PST, at 208-313-4166. Public comments can be submitted until September 13, by email EagleRock.EIS@nrc.gov, or mailed to:

Ref: Report Number NUREG-1945 draft
Chief, Rules & Directives Branch
Division of Administrative Services
Office of Administration
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Mail Stop TWB-05-B01M
Washington, DC 20555-0001

Global Economic Outlook with Dr. Peter Linneman Set For Wednesday

Is the Economic Recovery on Solid Ground?

Date: July 21, 2010

Time: 11:00 AM Mountain Time

Join NAI Global Chief Economist Dr. Peter Linneman for a discussion on how the European debt crisis will impact economic recovery in the U.S. and the rest of the world. Is our confidence shaken, or just stirred? Dr. Linneman will also be available to answer your questions during the event.

Click here to register.

Dr. Linneman, widely recognized as one of the leading strategic thinkers in the real estate industry, was recently cited as one of the 25 most influential people in real estate by Realtor Magazine. He serves as the Albert Sussman Professor of Real Estate, Finance and Public Policy at the Wharton School of Business, the University of Pennsylvania, and Principal, Linneman Associates.

NAI Commerce One Broker Steven Keim Assists International Client

As a part of NAI Global's Special Asset Solutions team, NAI Commerce One designated broker Steven Keim played a role in assisting a major international investment fund develop an offer on a $1 billion portfolio of notes being offered to the market.  Here is the story from NAI Global:

NAI Global New Business Update

In early May, NAI Global's Special Asset Solutions team responded to an inquiry from a major international investment fund interested in bidding on a portfolio of over $1 billion in notes being offered to the market. In order to assist the customer in developing their offer NAI Global was asked to rapidly coordinate the development of 101 Broker Opinions of Value. These BOVs were critical to the client as they were part of a test sample used to estimate values of over 1,500 loan notes throughout the nation. The assets that were evaluated were located in 66 separate markets and covered a range of asset classes, including land, multifamily, office, retail and industrial properties. They also needed all the BOVs completed in seven days.

Together we did it! We truly believe there is no other commercial real estate organization in the nation that could accomplish this job. On May 28, NAI Global delivered 101 BOVs and a master spreadsheet amounting to 380 pages of work product to the customer.

On behalf of NAI Global and NAI Global New York City we want to take a moment to specifically thank the agents and the members who helped accomplish this job--on time, on budget--and provide a client superior quality professional guidance.

John Acker, NAI Las Vegas
Phillip Algrim, NAI Capital Realty
Bob Bencze, NAI Puget Sound Properties
Mark Bounds, NAI Mark S. Bounds
John Boyer, NAI Capital
Sierk Braam, NAI Norris, Beggs & Simpson
Chad Brock, NAI Capital
John Burpee, NAI Tampa Bay
Jeff Cavazos, NAI Farbman
Trent Dickey, NAI Global New York City
Michael Flynn, NAI Hiffman
Steven Frey, NAI Capital
Sean Fulp, Cornish & Carey Commercial
Joe Gallaher, NAI Miami
Tom Garland, NAI Brannen Goddard
Taylor Glaze, NAI Chase Commercial Realty
Michael Glickstein, NAI San Diego
Brian Haggar, NAI Fuller
Adam Hawkes, NAI CRES
Chad Hirschfield, NAI Fuller
Cheree Hollis, NAI San Diego
Tracey Holtzman, NAI Olympia Partners
Richard Horn, NAI Capital
Bret Bill Jacob, NAI Hiffman
Robert Keatley, NAI Capital Realty
Steven Keim, NAI Commerce One
Richard Knutson, Cornish & Carey Commercial
Barry Lammerson, NAI Horizon
Barbara Lloyd, NAI Horizon
Jack Lynch, NAI Rauch Weaver Norfleet Kurtz & Co.
Matt MacDougal, NAI Horizon
Christian Mattson, NAI Puget Sound Properties
Neil Miyazaki, NAI Capital
Bill Montana, NAI Hiffman
Stuart Morrison, NAI Mid-Michigan Vlahakis
Harris Napier, NAI Huff Partners
Dan Oster, NAI Alliance
Kimberly Owen, NAI Las Vegas
Alec Pacella, NAI Daus
Michael Pagones, Cornish & Carey Commercial
Thomas Patriarca, NAI Capital
Greg Ratliff, NAI CRES
Robert Rubin, NAI James E. Hanson
Izzy Sanchez, NAI Capital
Jason Speckman, NAI Olympia Partners
Craig Summer, NAI Capital
Steve Summers, NAI Capital
Travis Waldrop, NAI REOC Austin
Damon Wyler, NAI Capital
Rob Zaharia, NAI Capital
Robert Zavakos, NAI Dayton
George Zeller, NAI Welsh

Snake River Landing"s First Residential Phase Begins

Snake River Landing is excited to announce that construction has begun on the first phase of Garbett Homes; Legacy Creek. Garbett Homes, a Salt Lake City-based builder, is thrilled to bring their modern, yet affordably priced homes to the Idaho Falls community. The first phase of homes will consist of 34 single family residences.  Idaho Falls-based HK Contractors is currently preparing the utilities for the site.

An unveiling of the home exterior designs and floor plans will take place at the site of current construction at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 14. The community is welcome at this event.

Bloomberg Reports Rental Apartments in U.S. May Lead Recovery

U.S. apartments may lead a rebound in commercial real estate as vacancies
peak in 2010 and the economy adds jobs, according to property research firm
Reis Inc. Apartment vacancies probably will peak at 8.2 percent in 2010,
the highest level since Reis began tracking the number in 1980, Reis
economist Ryan Severino said in a briefing. The number should start to
decline in 2011, Reis said.

Read the full article by Hui-yong Yu here: http://tinyurl.com/36u7j9u

(For information on the multi-family market in Idaho Falls and the
surrounding region, contact NAI agent Doug Powell at (208) 525-8088.)

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.

NAI Broker Steven Keim Attends World's Largest Wind Conference

NAI Commerce One broker Steven Keim is attending the American Wind Energy Association's Annual Conference: WINDPOWER 2010 in Dallas, Texas May 23rd - 26th.  With 20,000 Attendees and 1,400 exhibits, WINDPOWER 2010 is the world's largest annual wind conference and exhibition, and the fastest growing conference in the U.S. 

The WINDPOWER Conference Program offers a platform to discuss how our industry can create our energy future, strengthen our struggling economy, and lead to a sound, profitable energy market. The conference program will discuss perspectives, methods and strategies for maintaining and increasing profitability in an environment of technical, economic and political change. Attendees will learn how wind energy can Power America Forward.

The conference has over 60 educational sessions organized into 6 tracks, covering policy, business and technical issues.  Conference Speakers include former U.S. President George W. Bush, North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan, Department of Energy EERE Assistant Secretary Cathy Zoi, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., Iowa Governor Chet Culver, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, and Siemens Wind Power CEO Jens-Peter Sauls.  Entertainment includes Elvis Costello and Seinfeld's Jason Alexander.

For more information, visit: http://2010.windpowerexpo.org/ or check out this conference YouTube video from the AWEA CEO Denise Bode:

Areva Secures $2 Billion Loan Guarantee from the DOE

Washington, DC – As part of a broad effort to expand the use of nuclear power in the United States and reduce carbon pollution, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced today the Department’s first conditional commitment for a front-end nuclear facility. The $2 billion loan guarantee will support AREVA’s Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility near Idaho Falls, Idaho, which will supply uranium enrichment services for the U.S. nuclear power industry.

“Increasing uranium enrichment in the United States is critical to the nation’s energy and national security,” said Secretary Chu. “Existing reactors will need additional sources of enriched uranium soon. New nuclear plants that could start to come on line as early as 2016 will also need a steady, reliable source of uranium enrichment services. AREVA’s project will help to meet that demand.”

The Idaho Falls facility will use advanced centrifuge technology instead of the more energy-intensive gaseous diffusion process. Although Eagle Rock will be only the second plant to use this technology in the US, it has been employed in Europe for about 30 years to enrich uranium for the commercial power market. The project’s technology uses 95 percent less electricity than the gaseous diffusion technology it replaces, reducing both energy use and environmental effects.

Areva estimates construction of the Eagle Rock facility will create 1,000 jobs. The total project is expected to cost approximately $3.3 billion.

The light-water reactors that comprise the US fleet are fueled by low-enriched uranium, in which the concentration of the easily-split U-235 isotope is raised from less than one percent found in natural uranium to between three and five percent by weight. (Natural uranium is largely comprised of the U-238 isotope.)

Currently, the United States obtains half of its enriched uranium from Russia under the Megatons-to-Megawatts program, in which nuclear materials that were once pointed at the United States are converted to civilian nuclear fuel to power America’s economy. The program expires in 2013, after which alternate sources of enrichment services will be required to support the continued and expanded use of nuclear power in the United States

The project must obtain a Combined Construction and Operating License (COL) from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission before the loan guarantee can be finalized. In addition to the $2 billion in loan guarantee authority under the 2009 Omnibus Bill, the Department has made available an additional $2 billion to support uranium enrichment technology from loan authority provided in 2007.

This is the ninth project to be offered a conditional commitment by the Department of Energy since March, 2009. For more information on the loan guarantee program, please visit http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/

EIAA meeting with Don Aslett

The Eastern Idaho Apartment Association (EIAA) will feature Don Aslett at its May meeting tonight, 5/12 at 1075 Utah Avenue in Idaho Falls.  Networking begins at 6 p.m. with the program starting at 7.

 

For more info, please visit www.eiaa.info

Warehouse on 11 Acres For Sale: Price Reduced!

Marketing Department | NAI Commerce One | 208.525.8088 1355 S. Industrial Park Rd., Saint Anthony, ID 20,900 SF Warehouse on 11 Acres Next to St. Anthony Airport Industrial offered at $875,000 Year Built 2006 Sq Footage 20,900 Floors 0 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 11.09 acres Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Price has been reduced to $875,000 on this excellent industrial property next to the St. Anthony Airport. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - 20,900 SF Sprinkled Warehouse Building - 190' by 110' Building - 17,084 SF of warehouse space and 3,816 SF of office - 3 doors 14’ wide by 16’ tall - 2 doors 24’ wide by 12’ tall - Ceiling height is 24’ on one side sloping to 16’ LOCATION FEATURES - Centrally located at the airport in St. Anthony between Idaho Falls and Island Park OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - Airport runway is 4500’ by 50’ ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Contact info: Marketing Department NAI Commerce One 208.525.8088 For sale by agent/broker: Melvin Rudd Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: May 11, 2010, 11:09am PDT

The Annual Southeast Idaho Business & Economic Forum

The annual Southeast Idaho Business and Economic Forum will be held on May 12 from 1-5 p.m. at the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho located at 300 S. Capital Avenue in Idaho Falls.  The event is free to all, but space is limited.  Please RSVP to Jaimi at 208-528-7922 or email jwalker@sammonsrep.com

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

-Dean Mortimer, Idaho State Senator, "Legislative Session Update"
-Mike Ferguson, Idaho State Chief Economist, "State of the Idaho Economy"
-Dan John, Idaho State Tax Commission, "Tax Incentives for Small Businesses"
-Winston Beard, Partner - Beard St. Clair Law Firm, "Healthcare Reform: The Affects on Business Owners"
-Russell Slack, Asst. Vice President, Zion's Bank, "Business Financing: How to Get it & Keep it"
-Steve Fuhriman, Mayor of Ammon

EIAA April Meeting Report: Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman

By NAI Commerce One Multi-Family Specialist Doug Powell

Mayor Jared Fuhriman spoke to the Eastern Idaho Apartment Association this month about current events in Idaho Falls. Topics included AREVA, downtown redevelopment, the “North Loop” power line project and growth of the city. Renee McGee, director of planning and zoning for the city, ably assisted him. During his presentation he answered numerous questions. Specifically the Mayor noted:

• The Mayor strongly supports an open door policy and relishes feedback from the constituents of Idaho Falls. He was very clear that the city works for the citizens of the town. City government is fiscally conservative and currently has no debt. The model “pay as you go” is the operative business plan.

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has been extended from the west side of the Snake River to the east to cover downtown redevelopment. This will support additional redevelopment, which includes the Memorial Drive green belt, additional parking and upgrading existing buildings.

• The AREVA project is moving forward and approval appears eminent with groundbreaking projected for next spring. This project will ultimately bring approximately 1,200 construction and 300+ permanent jobs to Idaho Falls. The project may be expanded, which is more good news for the area.

• Location of the “North Loop” power transmission lines remain under study, but according to the Mayor, this development is essential to the continued growth on the west side and for redundancy in supply the east side of town.

• INL is proposing an expansion of four more buildings located in the technology park adjacent to the CAES building. This will bring additional jobs and further enhance the area’s reputation for research on energy efficiency and nuclear development. This project is projected for completion over the next five years.

Renee Magee, Director of the Idaho Falls Planning Department indicated that while Idaho Falls is caught up in the national recession, growth continues at a steady rate of 1% to 1.5% per year. A rate to bodes well for continued, effective management of infrastructure development within the city.

While permits are down 35% year over year, it appears that demand is slowly returning as evidenced by an 80 unit multi-family development under construction at 12th and Hoopes and a $5 million expansion by ERMAC.

In concluding his remarks the Mayor indicated his optimism for the bright future of Idaho Falls and the city’s ability to sustain the quality of life that is the joy of the folks lucky enough to live in this part of the country.
Doug Powell can be reached at (208) 525-8088 or by email.

EIAA April Meeting to Feature Idaho Falls Mayor

The Eastern Idaho Apartment Association’s monthly meeting will feature Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman and Renee Magee from the Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Department.  Topics usually discussed in this informative meeting are the local economy, the number of building permits issued, and the outlook for jobs growth.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 14^th at 1070 Riverwalk Drive Suite 200, (the McNeil Building in Taylor Crossing).  Networking begins at 6:30 with the program at 7 p.m.  For more information, visit www.eiaa.info