The Idaho Economic Development Association (IEDA) was founded as a nonprofit corporation in 2000 by a group of dedicated economic development professionals for the purpose of serving those with an interest in economic and community development in the state of Idaho.

Mission and Goals

IEDA is a trade association of economic development professionals and affiliated entities whose purpose is to enhance and elevate the practice of economic development in Idaho, to influence public policy related to economic development, and to promote sustainable business growth for Idaho’s economic vitality and increased standard of living.

The goals of IEDA are to:

• Provide professional development and training to IEDA members regarding effective economic development and growth strategies.

• Implement a marketing program targeting internal and external markets to further statewide economic development goals.

• Support and/or initiate actions to further public policy support for economic development and a pro-business environment in Idaho.

• Foster unity and relationships among a broad base of members from the private, public, tribal and nonprofit sectors.

• Build a strong and effective organization that is respected for its expertise and valuable contributions to the state’s economic vitality.

• Continue to strengthen a long-term working relationship with the Idaho Department of Commerce & Labor.

Organization

Officers

President: Jan Rogers, SIEDO, Southern Idaho

President Elect: Shirl Boyce, Boise Valley Economic Partnership, Boise

Secretary: Bob Tippets, Valley Vision, Lewiston

Treasurer: Jeff Jones, City of Boise, Boise

At-Large: Gynii Gilliam, North Custer & Lehmi County

At-Large: Nancy Bergmann, INEEL

Past President: Ray Burstedt, Bannock Development Corp., Pocatello

Corporation Board Members

Shirl Boyce, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, Boise
Ray Burstedt, Bannock Development Corp., Pocatello
Nancy Bergmann, INEEL
Joe Herring, Region IV Development Assn., Twin Falls
Jeff Jones, City of Boise, Boise
Randy Shroll, Idaho Dept. of Commerce and Labor, Boise
Tim Solomon, Regional Development Alliance, Idaho Falls
Gynii Gilliam, North Custer & Lemhi County

Committee Chairs

Marketing: Jan Rogers, SIEDO, Southern Idaho
Education: Shirl Boyce, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, Boise
Nancy Bergmann, INEEL, Tim Solomon, RDA, Idaho Falls
Membership: Gynii Gilliam, North Custer & Lemhi County
Bob Tibbets, Valley Vision, Lewiston
Legislative Affairs: Ray Burstedt, Bannock Development Corp., Pocatello

Milestones and Initiatives

Since its founding in 2000, the IEDA has brought together and coordinated the efforts of economic development professionals and organizations throughout Idaho. As a privately funded group, the IEDA has obtained a grant from the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) to support its initiatives, and is currently working with state agencies to establish a cooperative marketing agreement that would leverage public and private funding in promoting statewide economic development.

To date, the greatest success of the IEDA has been the creation of a cohesive, statewide economic development structure that provides support and opportunity for both rural and urban communities throughout Idaho.

The Idaho Economic Development Association is currently developing a promotional campaign aimed at raising awareness of the state’s growing science and technology-based economy. The campaign’s branding platform, “The Power Of Idaho,” represents a creative execution through which the IEDA plans to make its case for Idaho’s enormous business potential to technology companies and workers.