The mighty Snake River and its magnificent canyon etch the boundary of the cities of Jerome and Twin Falls. Mini-Cassia is surrounded by the Snake River and beautiful Cache Peak. Located in the south central part of Idaho. Boise, the State capital, is about a 11/2 hour drive west; Pocatello, the State’s third largest city, is a 11/2 hour drive east. Northern Nevada is less than 1 hour to the south. The topographic, geographic location, and seasonal variation in climate in Blaine County create a unique and varied natural environment which ranges from the scenic high alpine country in the north to the desolate lava plains and desert mountains in the south, including world-famous ski resort, Sun Valley.

The ideal balance between business and livability. This vibrant region offers a uniquely competitive environment where industry prospers in a distinctive pro-business partnership of commerce, government and community.

SOUTHERN IDAHO

Twin Falls, Jerome, Minidoka, Cassia, Gooding, Kimberly, and Filer are located in the south central part of Idaho. Each is geographically located about an equal distance from Boise, the State Capital, a one and a half hour drive to the west and Pocatello, the state’s third largest city, is a one and a half hour drive east. Salt Lake City is three hours southeast via I-84. This Southern Idaho region is also referred to as The Magic Valley – so named after nearby Milner Dam which was constructed in 1905 and productive farmland and towns seemed to spring up out of nowhere on the sagebrush-covered southern Idaho desert. Thus, “The Magic Valley.”

The mighty Snake River and its breathtaking canyon etches the boundaries of these cities where many falls, including 212-foot Shoshone Falls, known as the “Niagara of the West”, can be seen. The magnificent Snake River Canyon cuts into hundreds of feet of volcanic rock as a result of the ancient Bonneville Flood that occurred over 15,000 years ago.

TWIN FALLS

Twin Falls is a vibrant city of 42,200 people, home to over half of the county’s 74,284. The city sits at a high-desert elevation of 3,745 with the Snake River Canyon at the north edge, northern Nevada to the south, and the distant Sawtooth Mountains rimming the northern horizon.

FILER

The City of Filer is located in central southern Idaho on the west side of Twin Falls County. Filer has a population just under two thousand, Filer is a small community best known for the home of Twin Falls County Fair which is one of the biggest fairs in the North West United States.

KIMBERLY

The city of Kimberly is primarily supported by an agriculture economy. Most of the 2,477 residents work in Twin Falls and return to the city afterward. Several historical sites are unique to Kimberly and surrounding areas, including: Big (Shoshone) and Little (Twin) Falls; China mining sites; Oregon Trail Historical Site; Striker Store and Savage/Johnson and Larson/Hodge House.

JEROME

Jerome, positioned at the intersection of Interstate 84 East/ West and State Highway 93 North/South, is the gateway to Southern Idaho and center of the intermountain region. The area is a major producer of agriculture commodities with a 140-day growing season. The City of Jerome is home to 8,827 of the county’s 20,468 total population.

GOODING

The City of Gooding population 3,200, is located in South Central Idaho, a few miles from I-84. Gooding combines the friendly atmosphere of a small western community with easy access to the convenience of larger cities, i.e. Boise 98 miles to the west and Twin Falls, 33 miles east.

MINI- CASSIA

Minidoka County’s population has remained static over the last ten years. The population was 19,692 in 1991 and 18,645 in 2008. This area is heavily dependent upon agriculture and food processing jobs. Per capita income has increased from $16,520 in 1998 to $23,907 in 2008. This is an increase of 45 percent ranking Minidoka County 39th out of Idaho’s 44 counties in per capita income. Cassia County has experienced static growth over the last ten years. The population has risen from 21,162 in 1998 to 21,348 in 2008, an increase of 0.9 percent, as the area is highly dependent on agriculture. Cassia County has abundant natural resources and recreational opportunities. Burley is located on the Snake River and it is a very short distance to the City of Rocks and Pomerelle Ski Resort. Each year, the Mini-Cassia area hosts a boat regatta that enjoys national recognition. Per capita income has increased from $20,744 in 1998 to $28,589 in 2007, an increase of 37.8 percent. Cassia County ranks 20th in per capita income in Idaho.

WOOD RIVER VALLEY

Centrally located in the heart of the scenic Wood River Valley, the city of Hailey has the unique distinction of being the first town in Idaho to have telephone service (1883), first in Idaho to have electric lights (1887) as well as being the birthplace of internationally renowned poet Ezra Pound (b. 1885) With the decline of mining fortunes around the turn of the century, Hailey shifted economic gears and became one of the largest sheep raising centers in the United States. The importance of the sheep industry to the area’s history is now celebrated each Fall with the Annual Trailing of the Sheep. The construction of the Sun Valley Resort in 1936 heralded the beginnings of tourism and recreation as the community’s economic mainstay, capitalizing on the splendor of the Wood River Valley which draws visitors from all over the world.

PRO- BUSINESS

Today, it is a uniquely functioning ecosystem that is rich in wildlife and history. South Central Idaho has long been an agricultural center with several of the largest employers involved in growing and processing food: milk, beef, potatoes, sugar, corn, peas, beans, etc. However, businesses from all over the country have learned of the unmatched qualities of this area and now have operations here, thanks also to a strong pro-business environment. A solid, growing list of diverse manufacturing and technology companies has supplemented farms, ranches and dairy operations.

CLIMATE

South Central Idaho boasts a four-season climate. Daytime highs in July average 88 degrees with evening lows of 50, while January temperatures range from 37 in the day to 21 at night. The area receives little precipitation, about 11 inches of snow and 9 inches of rain annually and the air is dry and clear. Hailey temperatures range from a lowest average daily minimum temperature of 8.3 degrees in January to a highest average daily maximum temperature of 84.9 degrees in July. Average precipitation is 16.2 inches annually, with an average annual snowfall of 78.2 inches.

CULTURE

Southern Idaho boasts a solid, diversified quality of life for its residents. Twin Falls serves as the regional center for numerous arts and cultural events: performing & visual arts, cultural resources, museums, libraries, planetarium, and adult and youth educational opportunities. Several community theater groups, a symphony and chorale welcome participation. The College of Southern Idaho campus is home to the Herrett Center for the Arts and Science and world class Faulkner Planetarium.

The Wood River Valley is home to many artists studios. In addition there are programs of The Sun Valley Center for the Arts that operate in Hailey. The Northern Rockies Folk Festival the first weekend in August brings in folk musicians from around the world as does The Trailing of Sheep Festival in October. A Company of Fools, a theatre company that celebrates the magic, mystery and the wonder of life. It is awards winning provocative theatre unique in a small town setting. Every shade of the theatrical spectrum from classics to cutting edge drama. Company of Fools uses the Liberty Theatre in downtown Hailey, a lovingly restored 1930’s movie house theatre. Plays run year round with affordable prices.

HOUSING

While Southern Idaho’s growth and attractiveness has spurred the housing market, home prices and rental rates remain at or slightly below the national average. Recent data indicates the average home price in Southern Idaho to be under $100,000. For a newer executive home, the price would be about $115.00 per square foot, which includes the land and high quality exterior and interior amenities. This cost would be considered the “upper end” of the market.

In general, the price per square foot for newly constructed homes currently on the market ranges from $105.00 to $117.00 and existing homes range from $65.00 to $95.00 per square foot.

In the rental market, a three bedroom, two-bath home in the city limits could rent from $650.00 to $950.00 per month. Rentals for two bedroom apartments range from $450 to $650 per month. Executive rentals can approach $1,500 to $1,800 per month.

RETAIL & DINING

Twin Falls serves as the regional market center for the retail stores and a wide range of business and personal services. A shopping mall with national, local and specialized retail outlets cater to most shopping needs of Southern Idaho residents. Historic Downtown Twin Falls features a relaxed shopping pace with locally owned specialty shops. Dining opportunities are plentiful, from fast food to moderately upscale restaurants. Restaurants abound in the Hailey area. We are lucky to have a huge variety of eating establishments. From robust Idaho fare to a taste of old Italy, you’d be hard pressed to sample all that Hailey offers in a single stay, but every single experience would be well worth the effort.

RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT

Southern Idaho’s unique geographical make up and range of weather conditions offers something for everyone. An environment unlike any other in the country including a wide range of extreme sports for those highly adventurous souls.

BASE Jumping - World-class BASE jumpers travel to Twin Falls’ Perrine Bridge to enjoy what they consider one of the best and safest spots to practice their sport of free falling from buildings, antennas, spans and the Earth (hence the name BASE). The Perrine Bridge is one of the few legal places to jump in North America and offers some of the most ideal and breathtaking jumping conditions.

Whitewater Rafting - From whitewater to flat water, Southern Idaho’s Magic Valley is blessed with an abundance of boating opportunities on one of the master rivers of the West - the Snake.

Rock Climbing - City of Rocks rivals Yosemite National Park as a western favorite for technical rock climbers and is widely considered one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations. Recreation in the Hailey and the Wood River Valley is outstanding four seasons of the year. The Blaine County Recreation District provides a wide variety of activities for all ages. The Wood River Trails are 22 miles of paved recreational path and trail system connecting/linking the communities of the Wood River Valley and providing access to surrounding public lands and to the Big Wood River. The pathway is open to biking, rollerblading, walking, running, and, in the winter, cross country skiing.

Summer months allow for spectacular sightseeing and numerous activities that involve water sports. The Snake and Salmon Rivers offer canyons, lakes, waterfalls and rapids for white-water rafting or a leisurely floating trip down the most scenic rivers in America. Fishing for trout, bass, salmon or sturgeon is always popular. There’s sailing or wind surfing on South Central Idaho’s many lakes and reservoirs. The surrounding mountains provide many campgrounds for camping, backpacking, rock climbing or picnicking. Guides and outfitters throughout the area offer horseback riding opportunities into some of the more remote corners of the region. Golf, swimming, boating, canoeing, jet skiing, water skiing, miniature golf, tennis, hot air ballooning, and scenic helicopter rides are a few of the other summer time activities available.

Winter brings snow to Southern Idaho and the whole face of the region changes when covered with show. On snowmobiles, cross country skis or snowshoes, you can travel into the hills and deserts, many with groomed trails. World-famous Sun Valley, the first ski resort in the country and recognized by Ski Magazine as the best ski resort in the United States is only 75 miles away. Our own South Hills also offers skiing for both the beginner and advanced skier. Some ski slopes can arrange helicopter rides to take the daring to remote areas for fresh powder skiing.

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in Idaho. For skiers visiting Southern Idaho, spring offers an exciting experience. Spring brings clear, bright days of superb skiing where snow remains well into April. The spring runoff means that the falls in the Snake River Canyon are magnificent at their peak, especially 212-foot Shoshone Falls which is higher than Niagara Falls. Other popular spring activities include golfing, mountain biking, tennis, swimming, mountain/rock climbing, hiking, motorcycling, NASCAR racing and horseback riding to name a few.

Fall hunting season is always an important time of passage for many residents and visitors to Southern Idaho. Fishing is excellent with the world-class fly-fishing in nearby Silver Creek. Warm days and cool nights make for spectacular surroundings as the aspens, dogwood and willows set the hill aglow with color.

POPULATION

Southern Idaho is made up of eight counties called the “Magic Valley.” Twin Falls serves as the hub for a population of almost 200,000. Populations for the other four counties: Gooding – 14,430 Camas – 1,126 Lincoln – 4,503 Blaine – 21,731
Total population for the State of Idaho in 2008 was 1,523,816

Idaho Department of Labor,-July 2008

NON-FARM PAYROLL JOBS

CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE

BUSINESS COSTS

economy.com ranks Idaho seventh best in the country and number three among western states in overall costs of doing business comparing labor costs, tax burdens and energy costs. Corporation for Enterprise Development ranks Idaho number two in long-term employment growth and scores the state lowest in energy costs.

START UP COSTS

While building costs widely vary depending on need, location and other factors, the following offers general construction cost averages. Costs are based on a per square foot average and subject to change.

Twin Falls and Jerome follow the 2006 edition of the International Building Code (IBC).

Permit turn around time is currently 30 - 90 days.

*Starr Corporation, March 2010

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

When shopping for a location to run a business, saving money is a primary concern. Many employers buy into Idaho’s lower medical insurance costs, lower workers compensation insurance rates, lower retirement plan contributions and lower expense for paid vacations and holidays.

Compare Annual Worker Benefit Costs in Western States* (in millions)
Idaho	$2.2
Arizona	$2.3
California	$2.6
Colorado	$2.5
Nevada	$2.4
Oregon	$2.5
Utah	$2.4
Washington	$3.0
Calculated at 25% of labor cost (200 employees) *Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 2009

WORKERS COMP

Idaho employers with workers compensation insurance pay some of the lowest premiums in the country. Lower rates create a surplus, policyholders will save in the form of rate deviations or actual dividends.

Compare Annual Workers Compensation Costs in Western States* (in thousands)
Idaho	$34
Arizona	$51.6
California	$184.3
Colorado	$84.4
Nevada	$69.1
Oregon	$41.4
Utah	$42.3
Washington	$19.4
*Idaho State Insurance Fund, June 2009 (200 employees) Washington is a composite rate, both employer and employee contribute to the cost.

HEALTH CARE

St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center is the largest regional hospital serving south central Idaho and northern Nevada with 166 affiliated physicians and nearly 1400 employees. This 186 bed acute care hospital provides services including maternity, women’s health, cancer care, occupational health, imaging, surgical services, pediatrics, emergency care, new born and adult intensive care, home health and hospice care, adult and pediatric physical therapy and adult and children behavioral health. www.stlukesonline.org

St. Benedicts Family Medical Center is a non-profit hospital with a 40 bed long term care unit. It employs a staff of 200, making the Center the fourth largest employer in Jerome County. St. Benedicts was the only Idaho hospital to be named one of the top 100 hospitals in the United States in 1998 and 1999 by HCIA/William W. Mercer, Inc. www.stbenshospital.com

Minidoka Memorial Hospital is one of the county’s largest employers, with over 210 full and part-time employees. Minidoka Memorial provides a wide range of services with 51 physicians on staff. This includes 7 family physicians, 1 general surgeon, 1 internist, a radiologist and numerous consulting physicians, including 2 orthopedic surgeons. In 1998 a 15,000 sq. ft. surgical and obstetrical addition was added onto the west end of the facility. Minidoka Memorial also has an extensive nursing home division which operates at near 100% capacity. www.minidokamemorial.com

Cassia Regional Medical Center a partner of Intermountain Health Care offers a 38 bed facility with a state of the art medical center newly completed in 1995. CRMC offer 24-hour emergency services, a state of the art birthing center, coronary intensive care, occupational medicine and therapy, rehabilitation services, home care and hospice and surgical services. www.ihc.com

Health care facilities in Gooding are unique for a community of this size. North Canyon Medical Center offers medical services on both an in- and out-patient basis and is staffed by an outstanding staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and nurses. The hospital is host to a number of specialists who practice in the area and offers state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Home health care and one of only five certified diabetic education centers in Idaho are part of the hospital services. Additionally, the Walker Center, a well-known treatment center for alcohol and substance abuse, is located in Gooding.
http://www.ncm-c.org/
http://thewalkercenter.org/

FOOD SCIENCE

CLIMATE