Idaho Business Review, Boise articles from July 2004

Idaho Business Review, Boise archives from July 2004

Health-care spiral attributed partly to overuse of coverage.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Editor's note: This is the first in a two-part series. "Co-pays have insulated consumers from the true cost of health care," said Jon Aubrey of benefits administration company AmeriBen Solutions/IEC Group. "They...

Law firms see signs of recovery.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Boise area attorneys see within their practices indications of a mixed economic recovery. The number of acquisitions and mergers many firms have prepared is reminiscent of boom times, they say. However, bankruptcy...

R.S. Hosac Co. plans condos in new downtown building.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson A site at 11th and Main streets, across from the Owyhee Plaza hotel, would be developed with a six-story retail and residential building under a proposal from R.S. Hosac Co., Boise. According to an application...

Boise Tower banner battle rages yet again.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Steven Anderson Boise Tower remains a viable project, and as such requires the continued display of a 58-foot-tall vertical banner depicting the completed building, developer Rick Peterson has told the city. Peterson, in a new...

BBB's Integrity Counts nominations announced.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Steve Martin More than 70 companies and organizations statewide have been nominated for five awards in the 8th Annual Integrity Counts awards program, sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Idaho. Beve Bryant of...

New regulations create business for law firms.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Some business law firms have reaped a windfall from new government regulations, even among businesses that aren't affected by them. A handful of firms cited corporate governance issues as one of their...

Nextel unveils voice email service.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Emails from Boise-area Nextel wireless users started appearing in spoken-word form about two weeks ago when Nextel rolled out a service that it said is "ideal for business customers who may not always have time to...

Idaho construction value rises.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson A 50 percent increase in new-construction value from March 2003 to March 2004 pushed year-to-date total construction value to an 8 percent increase, according to Wells Fargo & Co.'s Idaho Construction Report. The...

Business groups welcome Angel Alliance network.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Boise Angel Alliance, a network of angel investors who review business investment opportunities, made its official debut June 24 when it heard presentations from three emerging Idaho companies. About 50 angel...

Continental Airlines starts Boise air service.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Continental Airlines launched Boise service July 1, offering two daily, non-stop, flights from Boise to its Houston hub. Continental, which operates 50-seat jets as Continental Express by ExpressJet Airlines Inc.,...

Zilog to move unit to Meridian, seeks buyer for plants.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Zilog has leased space for a design center that will allow it to move its remaining Treasure Valley operations out of its Nampa plant, which the company has put up for sale. Zilog leased 15,534 square feet at...

Co-founder of Thornton Oliver Kelly to join Brighton principals in new partnership.
July 5, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Peter Oliver, who co-founded Thornton Oliver Keller in 1991 and helped build it into one of Boise's largest commercial real estate firms, plans to leave TOK July 1 to form a new partnership with principals of Boise...

Small risk pools make insurance harder to offer.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Editor's note: This is the second in a two-part series. A small business decides to offer a health plan. But because its few employees make up a small risk pool, the insurance provider charges high premiums. ...

Timepiece expert finds demand for repair services.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Clock repairman Larry Harris has a lot of demand for his services. But that doesn't mean business is rosy. Harris, 63, runs the Arden's Clock Shop with his wife of 10 months, Eva, who's learning some light repairs....

Moxie Java starts building new corporate office in Garden City.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Steve Martin Moxie Java International has begun construction of a corporate headquarters and distribution center building at 50th Street and Chinden Boulevard in Garden City, and plans to move in by November. The two-story,...

Boise-based Micron Technology to offer NAND flash memory.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Boise-based Micron Technology, Inc., announced last week it plans to produce NAND Flash memory products, a high-demand type of memory used in mobile applications. Micron intends to send its first NAND products to...

Kit manufactured-home plant survives challenges; company grows.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson After its first year under local ownership, the Kit manufactured-home plant in west Caldwell has more revenue and employees - and, following a few challenges along the way, traction in some promising market segments....

Restaurant may join karate studio at Genesis Center in Meridian.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Karate for Kids was scheduled to occupy 6,000 square feet of the Genesis Center, at the southeast corner of Linder and Franklin Roads in Meridian, over the July 4 weekend. Shell-and-core construction of the...

Limited-industrial development proposed in Eagle.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson An Eagle-based developer wants to build more than 14,000 square feet of limited industrial space on Edgewood Lane in Eagle. Mark Guho, of Guho Corp., proposes Edgewood Business Park on the west side of South...

Code change sought for buildings proposed near downtown Boise.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Construction planning for two mixed-use buildings with parking and residential components could start soon off Battery Street south of downtown Boise if the City Council OK's a proposed revision to the building code....

Albertsons CEO to speak to Boise Metro Chamber.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert The president and CEO of Albertsons is slated to speak about the supermarket chain and its plans at noon July 15 at the Boise Centre on the Grove. Larry Johnston's speaking engagement is part of the Boise Metro...

Boise's Hyde Park eateries get 'fine-tuning' by new owners.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Steve Martin The new owners of Richard's and Little Richard's in north Boise say they plan mostly minor tweaking to the popular Hyde Park eateries. Boiseans Erik and Jennifer McLaughlin took ownership of the adjacent...

Boise-based Extended Systems expects fourth-quarter loss.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Extended Systems Inc. expects to report a loss in its fiscal fourth quarter. The Boise company, which designs software enabling organizations' databases to be accessed with mobile devices, said it expects a fiscal...

Idaho's delayed history center project expected to start.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Delayed for two years amid tight state budgets, the $4.2 million Idaho State Historical Society library and office addition is expected to start next month on Penitentiary Road in east Boise. When the project...

Small Business Index for Idaho rises to 103.2.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Idaho rose to 103.2 in June, from a revised 100.2 in May (1997=100), on higher unemployment rates and greater job creation. But rising short-term interest rates may impact...

Blue Cross of Idaho's rating boosted.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Weiss Ratings Inc. has raised Blue Cross of Idaho's rating from B+ to A- Excellent after an independent review. In a statement, Blue Cross cited "improvement in the efficiency of our operations and our demonstrated...

Dallas-based Worldwide Express franchise to add space, territory.
July 12, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson The southwest Idaho franchisee of Worldwide Express - an overnight parcel-delivery and logistics management company serving small and mid-sized businesses - plans to occupy larger quarters Aug. 1 and acquire an...

Bill Glynn: Energy vet loves job at helm of Intermountain Gas.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Bill Glynn, president of Intermountain Gas Co., proves that it's possible for an executive to leave a company, then come back and be successful for a long period. Bill and Connie Glynn moved their family from Idaho...

Sun Valley mulls new hotel near retail mall.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson The Sun Valley Co. plans eventually to build a hotel in the Sun Valley Village parking lot, and to construct a large replacement for the cabin at the base of Dollar Mountain immediately. Spokesman Jack Sibbach said...

Nagel Beverage Co. builds warehouse; bottling plant to follow.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Nagel Beverage Co. is building a new home for its warehousing and distribution operations northeast of the Nampa Boulevard interchange with Interstate 84. Construction of the 111,500-square-foot building for the...

Venture forum seeks presenting companies.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson The Boise Metro Economic Development Council and law firm Hawley Troxell plan the Intermountain Venture Forum Oct. 6 and 7 in Boise. After a competitive selection process, 15 featured companies will seek funding...

Matterhorn develops 'healthy' ice cream bar.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert In the world of not-quite-as-bad-for-you diet treats, Matterhorn Ice Cream seems to have made a breakthrough. Matterhorn Ice Cream Inc. plans to launch fruit-flavored, whole grain-based ice cream bars early this...

Ram plans eatery & pub at Eagle & Pine in Meridian.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Ram Inc. plans a second Treasure Valley Ram Restaurant & Brewery in December - this one in Meridian. The 7,000-square-foot sports pub is planned for a vacant lot at Eagle Road and Pine Avenue. Construction of...

Keller Williams Realty Boise sets schedule for relocationg.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Keller Williams Realty Boise aims to occupy new quarters and expand to 275 agents by the end of this year. Dave Evans Construction, Garden City, is expected to start building a $2 million, 17,000-square-foot, Boise...

Commentary: For speed and productivity, try quick, mouseless moves.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Rick Edvalson We were hiking in the Seven Devils area last week, and my son was raving about a cool new operating system where you never had to use a mouse. "You can do everything right from the keyboard, Dad. It's really fast!"...

Interior designers see market resurgence.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Ken Miller Idaho traditionally has been on the tail end of national trends in the interior design business, but designers say that's changing as commercial and residential clients become more sophisticated and demanding in...

BRS Architects enjoys steady growth.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Ken Miller Like most Idaho architectural firms, BRS Architects has had to weather a bumpy business cycle for the past few years. Unlike most firms, BRS has banked on many of the same employees to see it through not only the...

Kitchen remodeling - you'll spend $$$, but see returns.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Ken Miller When it comes to home remodeling and redesign, kitchens continue to be where the action is - both in terms of business volume and the willingness of homeowners to pony up a lot more for what's become the hub of activity...

Builder Chuck Miller earns CMP designation.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Steve Martin The National Association of Home Builders' Institute of Residential Marketing has announced the designation of Chuck Miller as a Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP). Miller's designation as a CMP is...

Retired BSU engineering professor receives 'Idaho Excellence' award.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Steve Martin Norman Dahm has been chosen to receive the Idaho Excellence in Engineering Educator Award. His selection was made by consensus of the Idaho Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE). This peer-nominated honor...

Engineer Ellis Mathes honored for lifetime achievement by ISPE.
July 19, 2004... Byline: Steve Martin Quality engineering work and public service were the criteria that won Ellis Mathes induction to the Idaho Engineering Hall of Fame. His selection was made by consensus of the Idaho Society of Professional Engineers...

Idaho bankruptcies drop for first time since 2000.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Idaho bankruptcy filings declined by 1.1 percent in the first half, marking the first time they have dropped in four years. "This is the plateau I've been looking for, for the past two years," said Sue Beitia,...

5-bldg. office complex sited at Park Blvd. & Walnut Street in Boise.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Five single-story office buildings are planned on Park Boulevard and Walnut Street east of the ParkCenter Bridge in Boise. Greenbelt Plaza Offices is to consist of two 2,368-square-foot buildings, two...

Ada and Canyon Counties' home sales show gains in double digits.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Ada County home sales increased by 16 percent through June, to 3,992, while the median price rose 10.2 percent to $157,000, statistics from the Intermountain Regional Multiple Listing Service show. Existing homes...

Boise Blue Art Supply stocks and protects expensive merchandise.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Boise Blue Art Supply is just "the opposite" of other art and craft stores, says proprietor Terrie Robinson. About 50 percent of the store's merchandise is kept under wraps. Boise Blue stocks paintbrushes and ink...

Construction permits decline 14 percent in Boise.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson The total value of construction permits issued in the City of Boise during the first half was down 14 percent from a year earlier, the Planning and Development Services Department has reported. Permitted projects...

Idaho State Liquor Dispensary reports 10.6% gain in FY04.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Steven Anderson Idahoans and people who visit Idaho continued a trend toward upscale vodka in the past fiscal year, driving total state liquor sales up 10.6 percent over the previous fiscal year. Dyke Nally, superintendent of...

HUD directs nearly $18 million to Idaho.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Steven Anderson The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development plans to issue $17.9 million to the State of Idaho to stimulate economic development and add affordable housing. The package includes more than $10.5 million...

Nampa pharmacy grows, offers compounding services on site.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Veteran Nampa pharmacist Vic Allen is renovating the drugstore he's operated for 16 years, and planning a stand-alone building for the branch he now operates in a Kuna health clinic. Both projects will expand Vic's...

Boise-based software, e-book seller Keynetics to move to larger building.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert Keynetics, a retailer of electronically downloadable goods such as e-books and software, plans to move its Boise headquarters to a larger building, to be constructed starting this September. The company plans to...

Idaho Banking Co. grows in first half of '04.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Boise-based Idaho Banking Co. reported earnings of $277,000 for the first half of 2004, up 81 percent from a year earlier. A 45 percent increase in the value of the bank's loan portfolio in the trailing 12 months...

Retail building planned in Eagle.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson An 8,900-square-foot retail building with six tenant spaces is planned at the northeast corner of East State Street and Iron Eagle Drive, in Eagle. Developers Dave Buich and Greg Hall anticipate general retailers...

Mac dealer plans larger showroom, 'upscale' presence in Boise.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson MacLife, an Apple Computer Inc. "specialist" retailer, will increase its Boise showroom space fivefold and offer a more upscale environment when it moves in October, General Manager Kelly Kitchens says. MacLife...

Proven methods for getting on Google's 'top 10' results.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Brad Chase If you want to build a successful website within a year, you need good search engine rankings. The following information is a detailed explanation on how to get your site listed in the Google search engine. Every time I...

Boise Cascade Corp. nets $50 million in second quarter.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Brad Carlson Speculation about possible asset sales at Boise Cascade Corp. continued last week as the company logged earnings of 52 cents per share in the second quarter, compared to red ink a year earlier. BCC cited higher...

Fifth Casa Mexico restaurant slated for Middleton.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Lora Volkert A fifth Treasure Valley Casa Mexico restaurant is planned by early November in Middleton Marketplace, on Middleton Road north of the Boise River and south of Idaho 44. Construction of the 2,500-square-foot Casa...

Experts advise entrepreneurs about whether to rent, buy, or expand a business location.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Ken Miller When it comes to starting a business or relocating an existing one, location can be a deal-maker - or an insurmountable hurdle to success, according to experts who advise budding entrepreneurs. Just as important,...

Commentary: Low-cost marketing strategies for small businesses.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Glenna Tooman Every business needs exposure if it hopes to succeed, but not all businesses can afford to hire a marketing manager. Fortunately, there are many free and low-cost ways to promote your business. Following are a...

Commentary: Incubators offer startup firms a foot in the door.
July 26, 2004... Byline: John Glerum Business incubators are a good path to capital from angel investors, state governments, economic-development organizations and other investors. Business incubators house several businesses under one roof and offer...

Commentary: Advice on how to implement a financial plan when starting a new business.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Richard Vycital You've developed a great concept, organized your entity, checked out all the regulations impacting your business, gathered great partners and assembled your management team. The idea is protected, you've locked onto...

Commentary: The importance of choosing the right advisors when starting a new business.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Norris Krueger A small business is NOT a little big business. A new business is NOT just a younger version of a mature firm. Explosively-growing firms are NOT like anything you can imagine. How do you know if you're...

Commentary: TEAMS provides business- learning experiences for students.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Norris Krueger There's no time like the present to start or grow a business and there's definitely no time like the present to access the resources available to current and prospective entrepreneurs. The Inland Northwest is blessed...

Commentary: Better hiring process could reveal workers' talents.
July 26, 2004... Byline: Ron Price I hired my first employee in 1972. I was 19 years old and I had just purchased a truck tire retreading business. I needed someone who could throw 100-pound tires around and didn't mind going home at night full of rubber...