Mission

Bannock Development Corporation (BDC) in cooperation with our regional economic development partners will facilitate a healthy economy for the Bannock County area.

GOALS

  • Maintain a strong association with existing business/industry, economic development agencies, community organizations, and government entities for enhanced development of the region
  • Facilitate the creation of jobs at attractive compensation levels, and promote workforce development by attracting new industry and businesses as well as efforts to help existing companies through retention and expansion (BRE)
  • Promote education and partner with Idaho State University in academic and economic development
  • Actively support the continued presence and new missions of the INL

Goal 1: Maintain a strong association&cooperation with existing business/industry, economic development agencies, community organizations, and government entities for enhanced development of the region

Partnerships include, but are not limited to:

  • Cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck,
  • Bannock (and surrounding) County
  • Idaho Economic Development Association (IEDA)
  • Eastern Idaho Economic Development Partners
  • Pocatello and Bingham Chambers of Commerce
  • Various Local and Regional Businesses
  • Idaho Departments of Commerce and Labor
  • Idaho State University
  • Idaho National Laboratory
  • Idaho Small Business Development Center
  • Regional Development Alliance
  • Idaho Rural Partnership
  • Tech Connect East
  • And Many, Many Others

Goal 2: Facilitate the creation of jobs and promote workforce development by attracting new industry and businesses as well as efforts to help existing companies through retention and expansion (BRE).

BDC Criteria for new businesses include:

  • Compatibility with local strengths and advantages, including the transportation system, ISU, workforce, space availability, INL, operating costs, etc
  • Employment opportunities that meet the needs of local residents, including attractive compensation with benefits, commensurate with employee qualifications
  • Potential contribution to the area’s economic vitality and diversity
  • Environmentally desirable with concerned management
  • Ability to utilize local infrastructure and services, while contributing to the community’s tax structure
  • Marketing Techniques to attract new business include:
  • Partnership with Idaho Commerce and Labor
  • Partnership with RDA and Regional Economic Development Organizations
  • Direct mailing to companies identified as belonging to target industries
  • Attendance at associated meetings and trade shows
  • Advertising in trade publications with broad circulation
  • Access to our information via the Internet:
  •  HYPERLINK "http://www.bannockdevelopment.org" www.bannockdevelopment.org
  •  HYPERLINK "http://www.easternidaho.org" www.easternidaho.org
  • Rural Bannock County  Strategies, include:
  • Identifying strengths in the community (e.g., sites, places, people, etc.)
  • Building even stronger partnerships and coordination with local community organizations and agencies (e.g.,  Chamber, Arts Council, City, County, Rodeo Assoc, Historical Association, etc.)
  • Bringing where needed, Distance Learning Education Programs in partnership with ISU, technology training, and rural outreach programs  
  • Identifying and apply for community development grants for various projects (e.g.,  observatory, outdoor stage, arts centers, etc.)
  • Focusing on and recruiting small businesses (5-20 jobs) into the communities
  • Helping existing businesses grow by determining ways to find potential subcontracts from larger businesses in Pocatello and other larger communities

Goal 3: Promote education and partner with Idaho State University in academic and economic development

Strategies include:

  • Assisting in strengthening the partnership between ISU, INL and Industries
  • Highlighting the ISU (Idaho State University) Business and Research Park for the development of  R&D companies, as well as other “brain-powered” business that facilitate joint private-public research grants that enhance
  • Supporting and strengthing the internship program in applicable areas of businesses to benefit both the students and private industry
  • Utilizing the various Graduate School programs
  • Encouraging the development of new programs and centers that coordinate with BDC’s target industries and businesses

Goal 4: Actively support the continued presence and new missions of the INL. The Lab’s mission, which includes being the premier DOE site for finding solutions to the nation and the world’s energy needs, ties well with BDC’s goal to build an energy cluster in Pocatello and eastern Idaho

Strategies to  support and partner with the INL include highlighting the following:

  • The strength of having one of only nine DOE facilities in our backyard
  • The R&D capabilities at the INL, particularly in developing ways to address energy issues in our global economy, as well as in developing potential cures for cancer through isotope treatment
  • The various ways INL works with private industry and local government to enhance energy resources in the region.  In the past year alone (2007-2008), INL’s partnership was instrumental establishing the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and the Energy Systems and Technology Education Center.
  • INL’s interest in technology transfer and in supporting local businesses through their local outsource and contracts program