Idaho Falls

What does it really take to launch your own business? If you've worked at a company or organization for any length of time, you've asked yourself this question. Unfortunately, the answer probably raises even more questions. There is something uniquely American about the ambition for creating start-ups. Of course, ambitious hardly means easy. Even in the somewhat cushy economic confines of eastern Idaho, diligence and meticulous planning can make the difference between success and failure. Tips on how to proceed are as varied as the type of business, but there are definitely some common threads to consider. For starters, be sure to research your business with the help of a business development center, university library or agency. Online and in print, there are volumes of resources to help guide you. These same resources can also help you set up a solid business plan, establish your method of organization and protect your products, services and ideas as they come to fruition. It's our hope you'll find some inspiration in these pages to help spark an idea or two. Got a startup success story to share? Shoot me an email at steve@harrispublishing.com. We're always on the hunt for local testimonials about the challenges and rewards of setting up shop right here in eastern Idaho. 4 East Idaho Business 2017 Editor's Note by Steve Smede Publisher Jason Harris Editor Steve Smede Assistant Editor Nikki Siegel Contributing Writers Janet Barton | Hope Morrow Lisa Buddecke | Kris Millgate Carey Taule | Jennifer Landon Carol Baldwin | Tyrell Marchant Advertising Chris Sheetz—ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Linda Carter-Beck—ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Leanna Kotter—STAFF ASSISTANT Secretary Magdalene Mercado Production Manager Janet Chase Graphic Designer Del Moss Production Staff Jim Donovan | Janet Chase Circulation Yvonne Young—DIRECTOR Accounting Clayton Ward—CONTROLLER Laura Rafferty—ACCOUNTS East Idaho Business magazine is published annually, ©2017 Harris Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. Back issues are available at $5 per copy. Quantities are limited. Publisher not responsible for content of material submitted or advertising claims. Printed in Idaho Falls, ID by Falls Printing, LLC. Mailed under a third class mailing permit at Idaho Falls, ID and at additional mailing offices. HARRIS PUBLISHING, INC. 360 B Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-7000 | Fax (208) 522-5241 The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce honored more than 15 local businesses during its third annual Business of Distinction Awards Gala in November. Pictured here are the Snakebite Restaurant owners Todd and Gina Thoulion, who received the Tribute to Local Business Award. PHOTO BY STEVE SMEDE. ON THE COVER START UP? 6 THE CORRIDOR OF INNOVATION An economic overview of eastern Idaho 8 IN BUSINESS Eastern Idaho news and notes 17 MARKETING TO THE MILLENNIAL MINDSET How businesses have to adapt to the rising generation 21 THE LADIES CLUB About the Idaho Professional Women's Express Network 23 KNOW THE NETWORK Get the skinny on networks in the area 24 EXCELLENCE IN IDAHO FALLS Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce honors 16 businesses at annual gala 28 BLACKFOOT CHAMBER'S RELOCATION AND PRESIDENT'S DINNER Blackfoot chamber readies to relocate and showcases standout businesses at President's Dinner 31 FULL CHARGE AHEAD INL partners with Colorado firm for advanced energy storage 32 PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT What's up at Snake River Landing 36 ALL RIGHT AT THE SITE Idaho National Laboratory enjoys 'excellent' 2016 41 EXECUTIVE DECISIONS How the incoming president could impact your financial future 42 HIGHER EDUCATION Updates and information from EITC, UI and ISU 44 AGRIBIZ An update on agriculture 46 JOB HUNT Resume and cover letter tips and tricks Founded by Darryl W. Harris

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