Local Issues

04/18/03

In Attendance: Arlen Wittrock, Norm Hill, Harry Neuhardt, Matt Hunter, Robert Chambers, Ray Burstedt, Steve Hadley, Jim Guthrie, Greg Anderson, Ralph Hunnington, Cheryl Anderson, Craig Cooper, Keevan Shropshire, Tim Anderson.

Meeting was called to order by Chair, Norm Hill

Agenda

Bannock Development Corp-Economic Development

AMI Semiconductor

Valley Pride

Bannock County Commission

Bannock Development Corp-Economic Development

Discussion on Idaho State Journal article on 4/17/03 concerning net migration numbers. BDC feels the numbers quoted were slightly skewed. The net migration numbers are calculated according to tax filings. The local numbers are significantly lower than announced in the article. The ISJ article quoted 880 out migration and the actual number is 8 out migration.

INEEL has an opportunity for a possible Zero-Emissions fossil fuel generation plant demonstration facility. A possible site may be the former FMC site.

Global Food Technology will possibly expand by up to 200 people. Are considering having a manufacturing facility in the area.

Union Pacific Railroad has been meeting with the City of Pocatello and the Bannock County Commissioners. Are discussing ways to bring more companies into area.

Portneuf Medical Center proposed expansion will benefit economy with a possible $160 million project at the east campus.

High Tech manufacturing companies are looking at the Greater Pocatello area. Could mean several hundred jobs. 20 + companies have been approached because they are being “squeezed” out of Southern California. They are very interested in the area.

May 30^th there will be a Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening for the new AMI Semiconductor Headquarters building.

The High Tech Corridor is the driving force behind the 20 + Southern California companies interest in the Greater Pocatello area. BDC is 90% certain that the DOE contract at the site will be re-bid. If Bechtel looses the bid it could mean approximately a 1.4 million dollar loss to the Southeastern Idaho economy.

AMI Semiconductor

New Headquarters building dedication and ribbon cutting will by May 30, 2003. It will be open to the public. A luncheon for the community leaders will be hosted. The “move in” date will be approximately May 16, 2003.

Even in tough economic times AMI Semiconductor is doing better than its competition, considering a recession period.

AMI Semiconductor is constantly looking for new acquisitions.

AMI Semiconductor now has publicly traded bonds. This is due to a refinancing.

Valley Pride

Discussion

Cleanup efforts.

History of committee.

Hwy 30 cleanup and co-op city brim project.

Bannock County Commissioners

They have hired a new Veteran Service Coordinator, Deborah Harmon. The office has been moved to the annex.

Bids have been sent for engineering for the landfill. A local company, Cascade Earth Science, has been selected for the bid.

The fairgrounds will have a rodeo at the Bannock County Fair this year. Fairboard is attempting to expand the focus of the fair.

There will be a feasibility study to explore the possibility of a regional airport. The feeling is it would significantly boost the southeastern Idaho economy.

Open discussion

The back-lit sign at City Lights was discussed.

Rotary cleanup on the Rotary Greenway Trail will be May 3, 2003.

The Portneuf Greenway will host a recycle parade and river regatta to take place of the duck race. United Dairymen of Idaho is assisting with the sponsorship of the events.

The Associated Foods building on Quinn Road has an offer to be sold.

The Idaho High School Athletic Association has approved Holt Arena as the sight for the 2004 State Wresting Tournament.

Committee was updated on the progress with the Chamber’s new annual publication.

IACI Legislative Session wrap-up breakfast is tentatively slated for May 7, 2003 at 7:30 a.m. @ Ramada Inn. Breakfast will be $9.

Discussion on the possibility of moving the Local Issues Committee meetings to the 2^nd Friday of each month. No one objected.

Adjourned