By John Regetz, Executive of Bannock Development
A lot of development projects involving Bannock Development Corporation (BDC) became reality in 2016. The benefits to our local businesses that supply these expanding companies can be substantial and sometimes critical.
The FBI data center expansion was announced and had already started. Over 300 employees, at an average of $60,000/yr., will work at the site when this project is operational. Vendors that supply the FBI with goods and services, such as Idaho Power, will also add greatly to the regional economy. The immediate economic impacts have already occurred in the form of new restaurants, stores and homes sold or built in our area.
Another supplier to the FBI, Buchanan & Edwards, recently announced an expansion in Pocatello for 20 employees, with hopes of reaching 50, mostly on the FBI site. Idaho State University supplies local talent to these agencies, boosting its enrollment.
Bully Dog’s location in Old Town Pocatello will retain 50 regional high tech jobs. ISU will provide steady talent to this company as well as those attracted by jobs and area recreation. Those who have engineering or technical degrees should respond to Bully Dog’s employment ads.
BDC conducted a highly successful call trip to California’s Silicon Valley to recruit companies wishing to escape high operating costs there. Seven very productive meetings were held with leads ranging from food production to software engineering, with six showing great promise. ISU is assisting with recruiting these companies by demonstrating its technical talent generation.
Great Western Malting is constructing its $83 million expansion, benefiting contractors and employing dozens of construction workers. Doubling the plant size will add 10 new employees and 50,000 more acres of barley, benefiting farmers, workers and their retailers, generating an annual impact of over $300 million dollars.
Western States Cat opened their new $20 million facility that engaged more construction contractors and 10 new employees. This facility supports the mining, minerals processing, and agricultural sectors that are critical to our region and its wholesalers.
Allstate continues to add positions (currently at 450) that start at $15/hr., with benefits. Amy’s Kitchen continues contracting projects for its $78 million investment and exceeds 450 employees. SME Steel continues to strive towards 150 employees with help from ISU’s College of Technology and Idaho’s Department of Labor. On Semiconductor has invested over $60 million in Pocatello since 2010.
The jobs created by these projects are a primary goal of BDC and directly support our community’s expanding retail area. Landing prospects in Bannock County also brings new sales opportunities for existing local companies, such as ON Semiconductor’s 30 plus suppliers and the 500 vendors that support the businesses located in Pocatello’s Urban Renewal areas.
These successes build on the Pocatello Metro Statistical Area’s 13% increase in employment and $1.42/hr. increase in average wages to over $40,000 annually (2013-2014).
BDC’s successes benefit all of Bannock County and Eastern Idaho.
