About the Members About the Committees

About the Services About the Results

About 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.

The Members

IACI's members represent every aspect of commerce in every corner of the state, ranging from sole proprietors to corporations, from agricultural interests to high-tech. It is this diversity that provides strength in the business community -- the strength behind IACI. When these influential business leaders combine forces on a business issue, they represent a unique and powerful cross section of Idaho's economy. Idaho businesses have historically relied on IACI to keep them informed and to represent their views on the issues. Its members represent Idaho's local chambers, trade associations, out-of-state corporations and private lobbyists as well as industries such as banking, communications, construction, electronics, energy, engineering, food processing, health care, mining, paper products, research, retail, tourism and waste management. Today, as Idaho's economy grows more diverse and complex, so does IACI's membership. Idaho businesses, both small and large, recognize the importance of being represented before the legislature to ensure a political climate conducive to a successful and profitable operation. Political representation through IACI is often their only link to the policy-making process.  How to Become a Member

The Committees

The committee process constitutes the bulk of IACI's work and occurs year-round, long before the legislative session begins. This process is the key to IACI's success. To the committees--Public Policy, Tax Policy & Fiscal Responsibility and General Business--member companies bring their diverse expertise, providing valuable insight and differing viewpoints from all over the state. It takes debate, research, expertise and teamwork to arrive at credible policy recommendations. The results of this lengthy process are then presented to IACI's Board of Directors, and ultimately to the Idaho State Legislature. Perhaps the effectiveness of this process is best described by an IACI member: "Because IACI does its homework and represents virtually all segments of Idaho industry, when IACI talks, the Legislature listens."               More about IACI committees

 

The Services

IACI provides accurate updated information on regulatory and legislative matters. Our constant supply of information is considered one of IACI's most important functions. Publications Legislative Report - A weekly update of bills during the legislative session. Journal - A newsletter devoted to our members and the issues. Profiles - Report potential impacts of recently enacted legislation. Backgrounders - A non-advocacy, factual report explaining an issue in objective terms. Voting Record - An annual report reflecting the votes of state legislators on business issues. Annual Conference An annual event, held in the summer, where IACI members come together for Idaho's most comprehensive gathering of business, state, and federal political leaders for dialogue on business issues, in-depth education and networking.  Events include a Chairman's Banquet, Awards Luncheon and  the IACI Golf Tournament. Post-Legislative Tour How legislation is going to affect you is as important as the legislation itself. That's why IACI conducts its tour of Idaho communities at the close of each session. IACI brings the message to the people, in terms everyone can understand. To schedule a tour, e-mail mattson@iaci.org. The Professionals IACI is represented by a highly professional and respected staff of lobbyists. Their combined talents represent a unique and effective force in Idaho. In all cases, whether supporting or opposing legislation, IACI's team of professionals represents the needs and concerns of Idaho business. IACI lobbyists are: Informed and involved - monitoring and reporting on all activities likely to impact--positively  or negatively--Idaho business. Your eyes and ears in the Idaho Legislature - reporting critical information about state government actions, pending legislation and legal decisions and actively attempting to influence the outcome for the Idaho business community. Relaying the viewpoint - of the Idaho business community to your elected officials in order to maintain the positive business climate Idaho business currently enjoys. The IACI lobbying team Alex LaBeau, President Mark Dunham, Vice President         Learn more about IACI's staff

The Results

IACI's efforts do bring results. Statistics reflect the positive influence our organization has on legislative issues. As importantly, our members' satisfaction is another measure of IACI's effectiveness. According to one IACI member, "IACI's positive influence on business issues cannot be duplicated by other trade associations within the state of Idaho." Join IACI

 

Home Page