Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry
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| Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry | |
 | |
| Basic facts | |
| Location: | Boise, Idaho |
| Type: | 501(c)(6) |
| Top official: | Alex LaBeau, President |
| Year founded: | 1974 |
| Website: | Official website |
The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI) is a pro-business lobby, 501(c)(6) organization based in Boise, Idaho. The organization represents 300 businesses in Idaho. IACI also has an affiliated state PAC, Idaho Prosperity Fund, which makes contributions to elections. IACI is also affiliated with the Gem State Prosperity Fund, which focuses on the impact national politics has on Idaho businesses.
The IACI has partnerships with the Idaho Potato Processors, the Idaho Council on Economic Education and the Idaho Leads Project.
Mission
According to the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, their mission is as follows:[1]
| “ |
To generate prosperity for the state of Idaho by creating a favorable environment in which business and industry can prosper.[2] |
” |
Background
The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI) was founded in 1974. The organization was the result of a merger of the Idaho State Chamber and Associated Industries of Idaho. Later, the Idaho Potato Processors and the Idaho Safety Council partnered with the newly founded IACI.[3]
The IACI cites seven key ethical points on its website that it seeks to promote; the code is as follows:
| IACI Code of Ethics[3] |
|---|
|
The IACI is politically active; in 2014, Boise State Public Radio reported that the IACI had created a website opposing Idaho Democratic gubernatorial candidate A.J. Balukoff. In 2010, the IACI created a similar website opposing Keith Allred, who was the Democratic gubernatorial candidate at the time.[4]
Lobbying and advocacy
IACI is active in supporting or opposing legislative agenda in the state of Idaho. The IACI listed the following areas as their 2015 priorities:[5]
- Personal property tax and other tax reform: IACI sees property tax prohibiting economic development. The organization supports the elimination of the property tax for businesses. They also advocate for tax reform.
- Health care: The IACI advocates for accessible and affordable health care.
- Education and workforce development: The IACI "invests considerable resources into an education system from kindergarten through post-secondary education at colleges, universities and workforce training programs."[5] The IACI argues that an educated workforce is essential for a strong economy.
- Energy: The IACI advocates for efficient and cost-effective energy solutions.
- Transportation: The IACI supports necessary transportation improvements and advocates that extra funding should only be utilized if the need is necessary and the associated agencies are held accountable.
- Water quantity and quality: "IACI supports the conjunctive management of ground and surface waters and aquifer recharge when consistent with the constitutional doctrine of prior appropriation. IACI thus supports the ongoing implementation of the Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan for the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer as well as the efforts underway on the Rathdrum and Treasure Valley aquifers. The success of this plan should be a model for cooperation with regard to water management throughout Idaho in the future."[5]
In March 2015, Alex LaBeau, IACI president, was suspended for a January 2015, email response to Idaho Sen. Jeff Siddoway's push to raise teacher salaries to $40,000 a year before considering bills that would lower taxes. LaBeau was reinstated in April 2015, after a month long suspension.[6] The IACI had initially responded to LaBeau's email by stating "As members of the executive committee of the Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry (IACI), we strongly condemn the language and tone of this communication. We apologize for any harm this may have caused or disrespect that was conveyed to our elected officials and the legislative process. We are confident that this is a one-time lapse in judgment, and based on that continue to support Alex LaBeau as the President of this Association."[7] The original email had been sent to Richard Hahn, the director of government affairs for Idaho Power.[8] Jeff Malmen, vice president of Idaho Power, is on the board of directors of the IACI.
Leadership
The following is a list of the board of directors of the IACI:[9]
- James Adamson (President and CEO, Mountain View Hospital)
- Pat Armstrong (Controller, Oldcastle Materials/Idaho Sand)
- Phillips Baker (President and CEO, Hecla Mining Co.)
- Mark Benson (Vice President, Public Affairs, Potlatch Corporation)
- Bob Boeh, Vice Chair (Vice President, Government Affairs, Idaho Forest Group)
- Trent Clark (Director, Government & Public Affairs, Monsanto)
- Mark Dunn, Chairman (Vice President, J.R. Simplot Company)
- Jerry Edgington (Vice President/General Manager, SelectHealth)
- Mike Reynoldson (Director, Government Affairs, Blue Cross of Idaho)
- Cally Grindstaff, Vice Chair (Vice President, Corporate Relations, Clear Springs Foods)
- Vice Admiral John Grossenbacher, USN, Retired (Laboratory Director, Idaho National Laboratory, Battelle Energy Alliance LLC)
- Nathan Anderson (Director, Public Affairs, Union Pacific Railroad)
- Greg Hardy (Manager, State Government Affairs, Chevron USA)
- Tom Harris, Chair-elect (President, Western States Equipment Co.)
- Deborah Herron (Public Affairs/Government Relations, Walmart Stores Inc.)
- Dennis Johnson (President and CEO, United Heritage Insurance Co.)
- Amanda Klump (Regional Director, Government Affairs, Altria Client Services)
- Scott Kreiling (President, Regence Blue Shield)
- Anne Labelle (Vice President, Legal & Sustainability, Midas Gold Corp.)
- Sujean Lee (Vice President, Philanthropy, Chobani Idaho Inc.)
- Cortney Liddiard (CEO, Ball Ventures LLC)
- Mark Lliteras, Secretary and Treasurer (Executive Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank)
- Scott Madison, Vice Chair (Executive Vice President, Intermountain Gas Company)
- Jeff Malmen (Vice President, Idaho Power Company)
- Jeff McCray (Plant Manager, McCain Foods)
- John McCreedy (General Counsel, Amalgamated Sugar Company)
- Jim Nottingham (Vice President, LES Hardware, Hewlett-Packard Co.)
- Jeremy Ouchley (Vice President & General Counsel, MWI Veterinary Supply)
- Dr. David Pate (President and CEO, St. Luke's Health System)
- Todd Peretti (Manager, Basic American Foods)
- Joel Poppen (Vice President & General Counsel, Micron Technology)
- Pierre Lorieau (Vice President & General Counsel, Lactalis American Group)
- Sam Routson (Vice President, Idahoan Foods LLC)
- Jim Schmit (Idaho President, CenturyLink)
- Norm Varin (Manager, Idaho Public Relations, PacificSource Health Plans)
- Justin Smith (Commercial Bank Team Leader, US Bank of Idaho)
- Corey Surber (Executive Director, Community Health, Saint Alphonsus Health System)
- Jon Goode (Plant Controller, Agrium US)
- Matt Van Vleet (Vice President, Public Affairs, Clearwater Paper Corporation)
- Damond Watkins (former Vice President, Corporate Relations, Melaleuca Inc.)
- Kristal Fiser (Director, NW State Government Relations, UPS)
- John Peiserich (Vice President & General Counsel, Alta Mesa Holdings LP)
Finances
The following is a breakdown of IACI's revenue from contributions and grants, total revenue, and expenses for 2010-2013 fiscal years, as reported to the IRS.
| Annual contributions and grants received, total revenue and expenses for IACI, 2010-2013 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Year | Contributions and grants received | Total annual revenue | Expenses |
| 2014[10] | $579,269 | $733,166 | $690,819 |
| 2013[1] | $574,164 | $823,798 | $865,185 |
| 2012[11] | $546,210 | $773,709 | $765,662 |
| 2011[12] | $495,666 | $593,781 | $598,298 |
| 2010[12] | $477,653 | $597,532 | $600,667 |
Affiliated programs
Idaho Potato Processors
According to the IACI website, the mission of the Idaho Potato Processors, is as follows:[13]
| “ |
The mission of the IACI Potato Processors Division is to proactively develop and advocate a focused, common agenda of general interest to potato processors, vigorously defend the potato processing industry, and develop policies and initiatives that facilitiate potato processors operating successfully.[2] |
” |
The IACI seeks to help the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) promote the potato industry in Idaho. IACI helps in advertising and monitoring state and federal regulations, advocating for the IPC in legislation.[14]
Idaho Council on Economic Education
The Idaho Council on Economic Education (ICEE) is a high school program, which ICAI has been a partner with since 2010. The ICEE aims to help develop business skills to help students become competitive in the economic market.[15]
Idaho Leads Project
IACI works with the Idaho Leads Project, which is a K-12 public school effort, according to the IACI website, that aims to bring together trustees, superintendents, principals, teachers, parents and community members to help develop leadership skills in children. The project is funded by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, whose contributions to The Center for School Improvement & Policy Studies help facilitate the project.[16]
Idaho Prosperity Fund
According to the IACI website, the mission of the Idaho Prosperity Fund (IPF), is as follows:[17]
| “ |
The purpose of the Idaho Prosperity Fund (IPF) is to promote and strive for the improvement of government at the State and Local level by encouraging and stimulating business and their employees to take a more active and effective part in government. We seek to encourage business to understand the nature of and actions of elected leaders as they pertain to the protection of the free enterprise system.[2] |
” |
The IPF gives financial assistance to political candidates via independent expenditures. According to their site, the fund supports those candidates who are committed "to the ideals of a free market society, who believe in the rights of the individual, and who are committed to preserving the free enterprise system."[17] In 2012, the IPF endorsed 41 candidates in Idaho.[18]
Gem State Prosperity Fund
According to the IACI website, the mission of the Gem State Prosperity Fund, is as follows:[19]
| “ |
The purpose of the Gem State Prosperity Fund (GSPF) is to promote and strive for the improvement of government at the Federal level by encouraging and stimulating business and their employees to take a more active and effective part in government. We seek to encourage business to understand the nature of and actions of elected leaders as they pertain to the protection of the free enterprise system. The GSPF will assist business to be an effective political voice espousing the principles of the free enterprise system.[2] |
” |
Media
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Idaho Association Commerce and Industry. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Guidestar, "IACI, IRS Form 990 (2013)," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 IACI, "About Us," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ Boise State Public Radio,"Idaho Business Group Launches Political Attack Website Against Democrat Balukoff," August 13, 2014
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 IACI, "2015 Priorities," accessed February 29, 2016
- ↑ KTVB, "Idaho business lobby leader reinstated after profane email," April 16, 2015
- ↑ The Spokesman-Review, "IACI chief offers to resign over email, but will keep job," February 26, 2015
- ↑ Idaho Statesman, "Idaho Power condemned business lobby's profane email, did not investigate leak," March 10, 2015
- ↑ IACI, "Board of Directors," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ Guidestar, "IACI, IRS Form 990 (2014)," accessed February 29, 2016
- ↑ Guidestar, "IACI, IRS Form 990 (2012)," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Guidestar, "IACI, IRS Form 990 (2011)," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ IACI, "Idaho Potato Processors Vision/Mission," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ IACI, "Potato Processors," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ IACI, "Idaho Council on Economic Education," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ IACI, "Idaho Leads Project," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 IACI, "Idaho Prosperity Fund," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ IACI, "IPF Election Results," accessed October 27, 2015
- ↑ IACI, "Gem State Prosperity Fund," accessed October 27, 2015
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