Idaho Business Review, Boise articles from September 2006

Idaho Business Review, Boise archives from September 2006

Mission property in downtown Boise could open up for development.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert One of the most valuable properties in downtown Boise could open up for development early next year when the Boise Rescue Mission consolidates its two shelters. Boise Rescue Mission officials plan to sell their Front...

Idaho geologist evolves into lobbyist, National Federation of Independent Business leader.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson Suzanne Budge Schaefer struck gold after all. The former field geologist is a leader in what is arguably Idaho's strongest business segment -- small business -- as the Idaho director of the National Federation of...

Boise company's workers donate to campaign of Republican congressional candidate.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert Employers are the single most credible source of political information for voters, more so than the Republican and Democratic parties combined, according to Greg Casey, president and CEO of the Business Industry...

Coeur d'Alene company makes Inc. Magazine list.
September 4, 2006... Byline: FROM A PRESS RELEASE NightHawk Radiology Services in Coeur d'Alene has been named to the 2006 Inc. 500, Inc. Magazine's list of the 500 fastest-growing private businesses in the country. NightHawk ranks 43 on the list, with a...

Tomboy Tools sells pink hammers to raise funds for breast cancer research.
September 4, 2006... Byline: IBR STAFF REPORT Tomboy Tools, a women-run tool and home improvement company, is selling pink hammers to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research, according to a press release. Darcy Drake, the Boise...

Microsoft involved in lawsuit against Boise-based ProClarity Corp.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Idaho Business Review Timeline, Inc., a Seattle-based software company, announced Aug. 21 that it had filed a motion in federal district court in Seattle asking the court to add Microsoft Corp. as a defendant in Timeline's lawsuit...

Idaho picked by Hoku Scientific.
September 4, 2006... Byline: FROM A PRESS RELEASE Hoku Scientific, a materials science company focused on clean energy technologies, announced Aug. 31 that it has selected Idaho as the location for its solar module and polysilicon business units. We believe...

Correction.(Correction notice)
September 4, 2006... A story in the August issue of the Idaho Construction Review is incorrect. The story, on page six and titled An invaluable 'tool' of the trade incorrectly identifies the company of Christina Aparicio. Aparicio is a vice president at Ideal...

Prop. 2 on Idaho ballot would affect more than just cities.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert Voters trying to decide on an initiative promising to limit the power of local governments should keep something in mind, said Dan Neely, president of the Highlands Neighborhood Association. "At the end of the day, the...

What is Idaho's Proposition 2?
September 4, 2006... Byline: Idaho Business Review Staff Report The title of the proposition: "Initiative limiting eminent domain when used for economic development; defining land use law; and permitting just compensation for regulatory takings." The measure...

Idaho's 2006 Special Legislative Session approves property-tax relief bill.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson Steve Ahrens stood outside the Idaho Senate chambers at 11:15 p.m. Aug. 25 with his shoulders slumped. The Senate had just approved the controversial property-tax relief bill put forth by Gov. Jim Risch. Ahrens, the...

Companies with under-funded pension plans have seven years to shore them up.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson Companies with under-funded pension plans have seven years to shore them up, and the clock starts ticking Jan. 1. That's when the Pension Protection Act of 2006 takes effect. President George W. Bush signed it into law...

Boise ERISA attorney: pension reform not new.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson Although the country's new pension law has some benefits and will impact many employers, it has been over-hyped. That's Jeffery Mandell's view. He's an attorney with ERISA Law Group P.A. in Boise. ERISA stands for the...

Boise fire center means big business for workers, firms.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson It's the busiest season in three years at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. Forklift operator Jerin Jones recently cashed a paycheck for 130 hours of work. "That's pretty standard for two weeks," said...

It takes a man to be a boy.
September 4, 2006... When I lived in New Mexico, my best friend and I spent an hour or two together each week. Lunch and conversation took up the first third of our weekly meeting -- jokes, basketball and horsing around on the playground took up the rest. Manuel,...

Should Idaho be the potato state?
September 4, 2006... Byline: Gaye Bunderson Do you think Idaho is overcoming its image as 'the potato state' -- or should it? I do believe it is positive for Idaho to be known for other things in addition to being the potato state. Being known as the...

BSU College of Engineering Day celebrates program's 10th year.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Eddie Kovsky Bob Kustra, president of Boise State University, was halfway through his speech commemorating the 10th anniversary of the BSU College of Engineering when the display next to him started to collapse. A nearby student...

Boise State Univ. College of Engineering Day celebrates program's 10th year.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Eddie Kovsky Bob Kustra, president of Boise State University, was halfway through his speech commemorating the 10th anniversary of the BSU College of Engineering when the display next to him started to collapse. A nearby student...

Take a shuttle from downtown to the game.
September 4, 2006... Byline: From a press release The Downtown Boise Association has arranged free Downtown Bronco Shuttles for the Boise State University football season. The shuttles, operated by Boise Tours and sponsored by Food Services of America, will...

Gary Machacek joins Housing Authority board.
September 4, 2006... Byline: FROM PRESS RELEASES Gary Machacek joins Housing Authority board Gary Machacek has joined the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority board of commissioners. Machacek is the general partner of 16 low-income housing complexes...

Montgomery Watson Americas Inc., an engineering and construction company, leased 5,805 square feet in River Run Center, 671 Riverpark Lane, Boise.
September 4, 2006... Montgomery Watson Americas Inc., an engineering and construction company, leased 5,805 square feet in River Run Center, 671 Riverpark Lane, Boise. John Reynolds of Trammel Crow Co. represented the tenant and Patrick Shalz and Grove Hummert of...

Promenade Building B, a mixed-use building, is planned in Post Falls.
September 4, 2006... Promenade Building B, a mixed-use building, is planned in Post Falls. Plans are available from Pete Halloran, who is with owner and general contractor A&D Corp. Inc., 11465 Woodside Ave., Santee, Calif. 92071-4725. A bid opening for selected...

Charter Builders, Eagle, was awarded a contract for Silver Oaks multi-family apartment building at West Franklin and Ten Mile in Meridian (negotiated). Cost range: $4.6 million to $5 million.
September 4, 2006... Charter Builders, Eagle, was awarded a contract for Silver Oaks multi-family apartment building at West Franklin and Ten Mile in Meridian (negotiated). Cost range: $4.6 million to $5 million. Big D Corp., Salt Lake City, was awarded a...

Idaho Red Cross counts on corporate help.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Eddie Kovsky Donations from the business community helped ensure that 883 Idaho residents were able to receive emergency assistance from the state's Red Cross chapter in fiscal year 2006. The local Red Cross uses local donations...

Idaho Youth Ranch purchases Nagel Beverage building on Irving Street in central Boise.
September 4, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson The Idaho Youth Ranch has purchased the 110,000-square-foot Nagel Beverage building on Irving Street in central Boise. The building's warehouse, office and yard space will house the Ranch's current thrift store...

Economic survey sent to businesses, others via postcard.
September 4, 2006... Economic survey sent to businesses, others via postcard FROM A PRESS RELEASE Some businesses, neighborhood leaders and educators have received postcards from Boise Mayor David Bieter encouraging participation in an economic...

Boise State University offers free employee handbooks.
September 4, 2006... Byline: IBR STAFF REPORT Treasure Valley businesses can have employee handbooks prepared for free by students in a human resource management class at Boise State University. Professor Gundars Kaupins came up with the idea while thinking...

Building Permits.
September 4, 2006... BUILDING PERMITS CITY OF BOISE PERMIT/TYPEOWNERBUILDERLOCATIONVALUE 1775-commercialLighia MotorsMcAlvain Const8853 W. Fairview180,000 2410-signWalgreensGolden West Ad10580 W. Ustick Rd12,000 2433-signnot listedKing Elec. Sign10480 W....

Key Foundation hands out funds to nonprofits.
September 4, 2006... Byline: From a press release The Key Foundation, the philanthropic arm of KeyBank, has donated $30,500 to Idaho nonprofit organizations during the second quarter of 2006. Between April and June, Key Foundation grants were made to nine...

Idaho Power helps Learning Lab.
September 4, 2006... Byline: From a press release A $2,500 grant from Idaho Power will help Learning Lab with the continuing construction of its new Garden City facility, the Anna Margaret Jones Center for Learning. Learning Lab will move into its new home in...

META gets WAMU grant.
September 4, 2006... Byline: From a press release META, a nonprofit program of Mountain States Group, Inc., has received $5,000 from Washington Mutual. The grant will be used to provide general operating support of an expanded microenterprise project titled...

Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.
September 4, 2006... WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, What's Up Boise Metro?, quarterly networking event, 7:30-9 a.m., chamber offices, lower level, 250 S. Fifth St. Information: 472-5259 or www.boisechamber.org. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8...

Owner/operator of Boise-based Downtown Shoe Repair & Shine started shining shoes in 1979.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson Smock-clad and buffing, Jeff Kirby is in his element. One of the few who polish shoes for a living in Boise, Kirby finds ample reward in the old-school craft he started plying in 1979. "I don't have to travel to...

Boise tech firm named in complaint against Microsoft.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Eddie Kovsky A software patent company in Washington state has accused Microsoft of using Boise software firm ProClarity to do Microsoft's dirty work. In an amended complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Western Washington,...

Planned communities in Ada County, Idaho, could add 50,000 homes.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert The developers of nine planned communities hope to build nearly 48,800 homes in Ada County over the next 15 to 20 years. That's enough for most of the 53,000 additional households Ada County is projected to have by...

New leader Oct. 1 for Amalgamated.
September 18, 2006... Byline: From a press release A 33-year veteran of the Amalgamated Sugar Company will take over as company president and CEO on Oct. 1. Victor Vic J. Jaro will succeed Ralph Burton, who will retire in October after more than 36 years at the...

Boise drivers shown effects of traffic congestion.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Idaho Business Review Staff Report Cars, buses, bicycles and pedestrians gave a little demonstration in gridlock Sept. 12 in front of the Statehouse on Jefferson Street. Thirty-three volunteers demonstrated what traffic congestion...

City of McCall, Idaho, plans affordable housing.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Idaho Business Review Staff Report The city of McCall is leasing out the small amount of land it owns on Payette Lake for a different kind of housing. Neighborhood Housing Services Inc., a nonprofit community development...

Idaho Governor's Science and Technology Advisory Council wants $38 million for tech.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Eddie Kovsky The Governor's Science and Technology Advisory Council met via teleconference Sept. 12 to finalize legislative recommendations. The council, which advises the governor on science and technology issues in the state,...

Classic Boise plaza to get makeover.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson The Marketplace shopping center at 17th and State streets in Boise is in store for some changes. New owner Cameron Investments plans new paint, signs and landscaping at the 43,750-square-foot retail center, principal...

McCall officials battle with citizens over height restrictions on lakefront properties.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Eddie Kovsky A battle over the future of McCall and the Payette Lake shoreline is being waged in a space 15 feet tall. In 2000, the McCall planning and zoning commission and the city council updated zoning and subdivision rules,...

Eating crow on Democrats, property taxes.
September 18, 2006... Byline: John Foster Crow is an acquired taste -- a little gamey, but its hint of recalcitrance is easily washed down with beer. Crow also goes well with another acquired taste -- warm humble pie. I know because I had big plates of both...

Small-town living can be good for business.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Gaye Bunderson The question I must ask when considering the location of a business is, What resources does this community offer that I want and need? The obvious ones are smaller classes for children in school, the prices of homes...

Federal bank president thinks a slowdown might not be all bad.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson Janet Yellen expects the economy to cool in the next couple of years, and that's not entirely bad news, she said. The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco president and economist was in Boise Sept. 7. Annual economic...

What's on tap?
September 18, 2006... Byline: staff Total units: 48,786 Project: Isaac's Canyon Residential units: 20,000 Timeline: 15 years Location: In Southeast Boise at the Isaac's Canyon Interstate 84 interchange Project: M3 Eagle Residential units: 12,010...

New sales pitch for mortgages.
September 18, 2006... Byline: IDAHO BUSINESS REVIEW Corey Barton Homes has offered to pay the first six mortgage payments for new home buyers who purchase one of the company's houses by Sept. 30, according to a press release. The company will pay the initial...

Idaho's Proposition 2 opponents, advocates meet at forum.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert Proponents of Proposition 2 believe the November ballot initiative will strengthen landowners' right to compensation for property values reduced by zoning laws. But opponents warn that Idaho law requires cities and...

Mixed reaction by Idaho builders on 'takings' initiative.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Idaho Business Review Staff Report Proposition 2 could make the planning process more fair for developers, who pay for land based on how it can be used, developer Ron Van Auker said. They lose their investment if uses are...

Boise mayor not satisfied with city's ranking as eighth most livable city in the U.S.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert Boise Mayor David Bieter is not satisfied with Boise's ranking as the eighth most livable city in the U.S., according to Money magazine. "We're only interested in one number, and that's number one," he said. In his...

Idaho's growers and producers are surviving by finding new ways of approaching the market.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson After they moved to Idaho from San Diego in 1993, Stacie and Steve Ballard decided to build a barn and buy 25 dairy cows. They expanded the operation, but turning a profit proved tough. The Ballards had payments on...

We're number 1!
September 18, 2006... Byline: staff 11.7 billion Pounds of Idaho potatoes produced in 2005. First in U.S. 13.1 billion Pounds of Idaho potatoes produced in 2004. 4.7 million Tons of Idaho beets processed in 2005. Third in U.S. 5.4 million Tons of...

Transaction clears way for golf course.
September 18, 2006... Byline: From a press release Hopkins Financial Services Inc. and Hunter's Point Golf Community LLC recently completed a financial transaction that will allow the Nampa golf course to begin construction. Plans call for the Hunter's Point...

NHS receives grant from U.S. Bancorp.
September 18, 2006... Byline: From a press release Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) has received an $18,000 grant from the U.S. Bancorp Foundation to support the NHS Affordable Housing Programs and the Paint The Town event. In addition to this very important...

WGI donation goes to safety conference.
September 18, 2006... Byline: From a press release Washington Group International donated $10,000 to the American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation to support the National Future Safety Leaders Conference. The conference is Nov. 3-4 in St. Louis, Mo., and...

Shell picks Sloan for security fencing job.
September 18, 2006... Byline: From a press release Sloan Security Fencing has been selected by Shell Oil Products U.S. to install security fencing at a Martinez, Calif. refinery. Sloan Security Fencing is based in Boise. The contract is part of a fast-track,...

State conference on housing set Oct. 2-3.
September 18, 2006... Byline: From a press release The 2006 Idaho Conference on Housing is scheduled for Oct. 2-3 at the Doubletree Riverside in Boise. Registration is accessible at www.housingconf.com. The two-day conference, entitled The Road Home, kicks off...

Railway transfer deal falls through.
September 18, 2006... Byline: From a press release Boise Cascade and Watco Companies have decided not to go forward with a transaction that would have transferred the Minnesota, Dakota & Western (MD&W) Railway. Obligations were not met within the time frame...

Wood products firm wins honors.
September 18, 2006... Byline: From a press release Boise Engineered Wood Products has been named 2006 Vendor of the Year by 84 Lumber, the largest privately-held pro dealer organization in America. Boise also won the award in 2004. The award is given yearly to...

Viking Industrial moves to Caldwell.
September 18, 2006... Byline: From a press release Viking Industrial Systems has moved to Caldwell after 17 years at a Meridian Road location. The old 6,000-square-foot building was too small, according to a company statement. The new facility, at 3525 Arthur...

James S. Thomson II new shareholder in law firm.
September 18, 2006... Byline: FROM PRESS RELEASES James S. Thomson II new shareholder in law firm James S. Thomson II has become a shareholder in the law firm of Hall, Farley, Oberrecht & Blanton, P.A. in Boise. Thomson has been with the firm since 2000....

Idaho legislators, other officials wrangle with trade issues.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson They can't do much about it, but Idaho legislators receive earfuls about international trade. Sen. Stanley Williams, R-Pingree, is chairman of the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee in the Idaho Legislature. He's...

McAlvain Construction hires 2.
September 18, 2006... Byline: FROM PRESS RELEASES McAlvain Construction hires 2 McAlvain Construction of Boise has hired Kathy Angelopoulos as a purchasing agent. She is a longtime purchasing professional with experience in the cellular, mining,...

Building Permits.
September 18, 2006... Byline: staff BUILDING PERMITS CITY OF BOISE PERMIT/TYPEOWNERBUILDERLOCATIONVALUE 1006-commercialnot listedWillowbrook Dev11031 W. Joplin Rd65,010 1534-commercialGoins-Hume Entnot listed10689 W. Ustick100,000 2033-commercialGoins-Hume...

Developer shows reborn plans for Boise Tower site in downtown.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert Finally. That seemed to be the reaction Boise Mayor David Bieter had to plans for Boise Place, the project proposed for the Boise Tower site in downtown. "It's hard for me to remember who was president when this first...

Development community discusses preliminary plans for Boise Tower.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Idaho Business Review Staff Report Developer Gary Rogers met with the Boise City Council last week to discuss preliminary plans for a 31-story building, to be called Boise Place, at the former Boise Tower site at Eighth and Main...

Global Direct Components acquired a 30,000-square-foot warehouse at 1208 and 1210 Madison, Nampa.
September 18, 2006... Byline: staff Global Direct Components acquired a 30,000-square-foot warehouse at 1208 and 1210 Madison, Nampa. Kevin McGowan of Thornton Oliver Keller Commercial Real Estate represented the buyer and Gary Bates of Michener Investments...

The city of Glenns Ferry is planning water and sewer improvements.
September 18, 2006... Byline: staff The city of Glenns Ferry is planning water and sewer improvements. Plans are available from Paul Stevens, J-U-B Engineers, 217 W. Georgia Ave., Nampa, Idaho 83686-2836. A bid opening is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 19. Cost...

Jayo Construction Inc., Boise, is the owner, builder and developer of three South Wind Business Park office buildings at Spoke Ranch and Five Mile Road in Boise.
September 18, 2006... Byline: staff Jayo Construction Inc., Boise, is the owner, builder and developer of three South Wind Business Park office buildings at Spoke Ranch and Five Mile Road in Boise. Cost not listed. Petra Inc., Boise, was awarded a contract...

Idaho Business Review.
September 18, 2006... Byline: staff TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 ONE Boise 3 Leads Group, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., China Grand Buffet, 10498 Fairview. RSVP: Butch Lai, 371-1487. Celebrating Women in Business and Leadership, 5:30 p.m. registration and 6 p.m. panel...

Don't forget home warranties.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Ken Miller In all the excitement of moving into a new home and the blizzard of paperwork that comes with it, it's important to keep track of all the warranties for the myriad appliances and gadgets that come with the house. But...

Discovery Center of Idaho in Boise showcases 'Structures' exhibit.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Gaye Bunderson People take structures for granted. Students sit in schools, workers labor in office buildings and residents reside in houses. Now an exhibit at the Discovery Center of Idaho helps people comprehend the work that...

Backhoes anyone?
September 18, 2006... Byline: staff Here are the top 5 most frequently requested heavy equipment rentals by Boise-area contractors: Cate Equipment 1. Base and asphalt compaction rollers 2. Air compressors 3. Extendable reach forklifts 4. Water pumps 5....

Commercial growth fuels Lewiston building boom.
September 18, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert Construction spending jumped to $42 million in Lewiston during the last 11 months from $27 million last year, due mainly to large commercial projects, Permits Coordinator Sarah Redenbaugh said. The City of Lewiston...

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE.
September 18, 2006... Byline: IDAHO BUSINESS REVIEW Ada County Weed and Pest Control Facility K-J CORPORATION Location: Commercial Road in Meridian Three New Structures. Wood frame, CMU, and Pre-engineered metal building. Owner: Ada County Architect: Lombard...

Old developer allowed to sell downtown Boise hole.
September 25, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert Most people know it as "The Hole In The Ground." The empty pit of concrete and rebar at Eighth and Main in Boise was the beginning of a 25-story office and residential building that inspired artwork, vitriol, lawsuits...

Waiting game: Treasure Valley Class A office space rental rates.
September 25, 2006... Byline: Lora Volkert Colliers International Broker Karen Warner's advice to tenants: Lock in long-term leases now. Office rates are about to rise. Treasure Valley office space rent rates for Class A have been flat for five years at $18 to...

Number of applicants at Univ. of Idaho College of Law swayed by economy.
September 25, 2006... Byline: Brad Carlson The wave of applications to the University of Idaho College of Law has subsided -- for now. There were 782 applicants this year, according to statistics from the Moscow school. That's down 5.5 percent from 2005 and...

Complaint over Idaho Innovation Awards judging dies out.
September 25, 2006... Byline: Eddie Kovsky Frontline Software Solutions CEO David Theiler has dropped his bid for an investigation into the Idaho Innovation Awards. Theiler was upset that nominees in the software category were judged in part by two people...

Innovation Awards, Forum set for Sept. 26 in Boise.
September 25, 2006... Byline: IBR Staff Report Paul Maeder of Highland Capital Partners and Micron Technology President and CEO Steve Appleton are the keynote speakers at the eighth annual Intermountain Venture Forum Sept. 26 and 27 at Boise Centre on the...

Boise-based SCP Global Technologies has new owner.
September 25, 2006... Byline: IBR Staff Report Boise-based SCP Global Technologies has been sold to Akrion, based in Allentown, Pa. SCP employs about 100 people in Boise. Marianne Alenson is director of finance and administrative services at SCP. She expects...

Boise-based Micron Technology Inc., Toshiba settle.
September 25, 2006... Byline: From a press release Micron Technology has settled litigation with Toshiba Corp. over technology used in the production of NAND flash memory. Toshiba will purchase certain semiconductor patents and license other patents held by...

More information about the University of Idaho College of Law.
September 25, 2006... Byline: Idaho Business Review Staff * The school's first-year student enrollment is usually between 100 and 110. It was 106 this year. * The University of Idaho College of Law is likely one of the five or six smallest law schools in the...

Health care workers honored as Idaho heroes.
September 25, 2006... Byline: Idaho Business Review Staff Imagine using one hand to place a blood pressure cuff on an accident victim's arm. Or knotting a sling behind someone's neck using just the fingers of your right hand. Randy Smith learned those minor...

Ground broken on new St. Luke's facility in Boise.
September 25, 2006... Byline: IBR Staff St. Luke's Regional Medical Center broke ground Sept. 13 on a new community health facility. The new facility will be in Eagle at the intersection of Highway 44 and Old Horseshoe Bend Road. Plans for the 62,000 square...