Harwood Award Winners

History of IACI

Since 1974, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI) has been Idaho's most effective business lobby. An important and influential force in Idaho politics representing every facet of business and industry in the state, IACI is proud to be known as The Voice of Business in Idaho^®.

Formed by a merger of the Idaho State Chamber and the Associated Industries of Idaho, IACI's sphere of influence grew quickly. Following the initial merger, the Idaho Potato Processors and the Idaho Safety Council also joined forces. A few years later, IACI expanded its role by sponsoring the successful Idaho Business Week program for high school students.

Today, IACI represents nearly 300 Idaho businesses in such diverse fields as agriculture and food service, technology, accounting firms and banks, utilities, manufacturing and construction, as well as chambers of commerce from Idaho's large and small cities and associations representing a wide variety of interests in this quest to shape policy for a bright economic future.

Code of Ethics

• Strive to contribute to society and human well-being.

This principle concerning the quality of life of all people affirms an obligation to protect fundamental human rights and to respect the diversity of all cultures. An essential aim of business is the support of public policies for the mutual benefit of employers and their employees.

• Be honest and trustworthy.

Honesty is an essential component of trust. Without trust an organization cannot function effectively. IACI members will not make deliberately false or deceptive claims about a rule, policy or legislative initiative, but will instead provide disclosure of both sides of controversial issues.

• Respect differing opinions.

Membership in organizations such as IACI may at times place members on opposing sides of the debate of a particular issue. IACI will strive to ensure every member has the opportunity to have their voice heard before decisions are made regarding IACI positions.

• Be fair and take action not to discriminate.

The values of equality, tolerance, respect for others, and the principles of equal justice govern this imperative. Discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, disability, national origin, or other such factors is an explicit violation of IACI policy and will not be tolerated.

• Honor property rights including copyrights and patents.

IACI uniquely brings business competitors together. Violation of copyrights, patents, trade secrets and the terms of license agreements are prohibited by law. IACI members believe strongly in competition, and antitrust laws are the rules under which the competitive system operates. IACI members comply in all respects with antitrust laws.

• Give proper credit for intellectual property.

Public policy professionals are obligated to protect the integrity of intellectual property. Specifically, one must not take credit for other's ideas or work.

• Honor confidentiality.

The principle of honesty extends to issues of confidentiality of information. This includes discussions at all committees where policy implementation strategy is developed. The ethical concern is to respect all obligations of confidentiality to all members unless information is expressly authorized for disclosure.

2011 PRIORITIES