Idaho Commerce and Labor Connections November 2005 Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2005
Visit us on the Web: http://www.cl.idaho.gov

In This Issue :

* Idaho’s 2005 Exports Move Closer to $3 Billion

* State’s Unemployment Rate Increases Slightly

* Gross State Product up 8 Percent

* Governor Prepares for Mexico Trade Mission

* College of Southern Idaho Receives $2.5 Million Grant

* HireVetsFirst Offers Veterans Career Opportunities

* John McAllister Named Building Safety Administrator

* Empire Airlines CEO Named to Economic Advisory Council

* Southwest Idaho Youth Assistance Program Launched

* Roger B. Madsen: Honor Their Service by Hiring a Veteran

* Commerce & Labor Warns of Potential Fraud

Idaho Impressions:

"In Idaho, we found a plentiful and enthusiastic workforce, lower business operating costs and a fair and balanced tax structure. What could be better?"
— Dana Jordan President of Cascade Toboggans and Rescue Equipment Co. in Sandpoint

The Month’s Top Stories

Idaho’s 2005 Exports Move Closer to $3 Billion
Exports by Idaho businesses during the third quarter remained on a pace to exceed $3 billion for 2005, while China, including Hong Kong, dramatically closed the gap on the state’s leading trading partner. Trade statistics compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau showed Idaho sales to China and Hong Kong totaled $148 million in the July-September quarter, $30 million more than the state’s sales to its top customer, Canada.

State’s Unemployment Rate Increases Slightly
Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October 2005 is forecast at 3.6 percent. The total number of people working reached a record high for a third straight month at 710,800, while the number of unemployed increased slightly to 26,800, the second lowest this year and since January of 1990. October’s forecasted rate is up from 3.5 percent in September and below October 2004’s rate of 4.5 percent.

Gross State Product up 8 Percent
Double-digit growth in construction, durable goods manufacturing and real estate activity drove Idaho’s gross state product up 8 percent in 2004. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported the value of all goods and services produced in Idaho last year totaled nearly $43.6 billion, about $220 million higher than the government’s initial estimate in June. Idaho’s gross state product has risen 53 percent since 1997, faster than all but six other states.

Governor Prepares for Mexico Trade Mission
Governor Dirk Kempthorne will lead the eighth foreign trade mission of his administration on Dec. 3-10. The mission will include stops in Mexico City and Monterrey as well as Guadalajara, where the state’s full-time trade representative Armando Orellana is stationed. Government, education, business and industry leaders, including representatives from companies like Conagra in Eagle, Docutech in Idaho Falls and International Grounding in Post Falls, will accompany the governor.

College of Southern Idaho Receives $2.5 Million Grant
The College of Southern Idaho has received a $2.5 million grant to increase the level and availability of training for individuals entering the nursing profession. The grant consists of nearly $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor and a little more than $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions from 17 partners including Idaho Commerce & Labor. The goal of the grant is to stem the predicted 59 percent nursing shortage Idaho is expected to face in 2020.

HireVetsFirst Offers Veterans Career Opportunities
Idaho Commerce & Labor’s 24 local offices are gearing up to help soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with employment and training opportunities through HireVetsFirst, a national effort to improve and increase employment opportunities for veterans nationwide.

John McAllister Named Building Safety Administrator
Governor Dirk Kempthorne announced this month the appointment of John McAllister as the administrator of the Division of Building Safety. McAllister has been serving as the acting administrator since September. He will also continue in his role as deputy director of Idaho Commerce & Labor, where he is in charge of the Labor Division.

Empire Airlines CEO Named to Economic Advisory Council
Tim Komberec, president and chief executive officer of Coeur d’Alene-based Empire Airlines, is the newest member of the Idaho Economic Advisory Council. "With more than 30 years of aviation experience, Tim Komberec brings a wealth of business knowledge to the council," said Idaho Commerce & Labor Director Roger B. Madsen.

Southwest Idaho Youth Job and Education Program Launched
Commerce & Labor’s southwestern Idaho region has a new program available for disadvantaged youth ages 16 to 21 who need help with employment, academic assistance and occupational skills training. Youth who qualify are given opportunities to learn skills, obtain work experience and set career goals.

Roger B. Madsen: Honor Their Service by Hiring a Veteran
As a state, we are welcoming home 1,800 soldiers of the Idaho Army National Guard’s 116th Cavalry Brigade, who are returning from an 18-month deployment including nearly a year in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We owe these men and women � and thousands of other Idahoans now on active duty and in the Guard and Reserves – a huge debt of gratitude. Idahoans in the military have left behind friends and family to put their lives on the line to protect America and the freedoms we enjoy.

Commerce & Labor Warns of Potential Fraud
Commerce & Labor officials are warning Idaho citizens not to give personal and financial information to unsolicited callers posing as department employees and claiming to be updating agency records. "We do not ask people to disclose personal financial information over the phone," said Idaho Commerce & Labor Deputy Director John McAllister.

Help Build Idaho’s Economy
If you know of a company that wishes to relocate or expand, contact Idaho Commerce & Labor Director Roger B. Madsen at 208-334-6110. Learn more about the business incentives Idaho has to offer from Wendi Secrist, 208-334-2650 ext. 2134., [email protected] .

Calendar of Events

December 2: Science & Technology Advisory Council Meeting
The Governor’s Science & Technology Advisory Council will meet at Idaho State University in Pocatello from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Wood River Room of the Student Union Building. Agenda items include an review of funding requests and legislative changes the council will recommend to the Governor and Legislature during the next session. The council will also hear updates on university research, partnership organizations and activity at the Idaho National Laboratory. For more information about the council visit technology.idaho.gov.

January 30-31 : Idaho Economic Symposium
The Idaho Economic Symposium will be held in Boise at the Boise Centre on the Grove. The event will provide an overview of the state’s economic progress and focus on the important relationship between Idaho’s economy, employment and education. U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Emily DeRocco will provide the opening presentation for the event. The event will also feature a keynote address from Ed Barlow. Considered one of the leading futurists, Barlow will provide his views on employment, transportation and travel and tourisms. Registration details are still pending and when available will be posted on cl.idaho.gov.

Call or e-mail Ken Dey, editor, with questions or comments: 208-332-3570 ext. 3650 or ken.dey @cl.idaho.gov

"We Create Jobs, Strengthen Communities and Market Idaho."

IDAHO COMMERCE & LABOR
P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093
Tel: 208-334-2470; Fax: 208-334-2631
Web: cl.idaho.gov

DIRK KEMPTHORNE, GOVERNOR
ROGER B. MADSEN, DIRECTOR

Idaho Commerce & Labor is an equal opportunity employer.
This document is available upon request in alternative formats for individuals with disabilities.
georgia.smith @cl.idaho.gov • Roger B. Madsen