Congressman to spend August work period helping create Idaho jobs
Washington, D.C – Over the last six months, Walt Minnick has spent nearly every weekend back in Idaho. The freshman Congressman has traveled his District, which stretches from Nevada to Canada, and in each town has met with officials, employers, experts and residents to learn more about the local impacts of the economic recession.
Minnick has also directed his staffers to reach into every community to help with issues ranging from difficulties with unemployment benefits to applications for stimulus money, and to learn as much as possible about opportunities for economic development.
“It’s time to put what we learned to good use,” Minnick said. “It’s time to share information, look for opportunities to collaborate and put plans into action.”
Members of Congress are working in their Districts through the first week of September. Minnick and his staff will spend that time helping communities, agencies, employers, entrepreneurs and citizens do all they can to jump-start Idaho’s economy and put people back to work. The month will revolve around four key events, organized and hosted by Minnick’s office, and with the assistance of trade organizations and economic development agencies:
- Broadband Roundtable. August 4. Congressman Minnick, other public officials, and industry leaders will hold a roundtable discussion on rural broadband.
- Connecting Idaho Businesses with Government Contracts. August 11. Panel discussions and information on helping businesses find federal opportunities.
- Rural Economic Development Summit. August 25. Information on programs designed to help communities strengthen their economies.
- Builders Roundtable. September 2. Discussion and information to help builders and contractors find a path forward through the economic downturn.
(Details on each event are pasted below.)
Minnick said that each event is built around a three-step process: share, collaborate, act. Attendees and presenters will share information, discuss potential avenues for collaboration on job-creation and economic development projects, and work together to craft a plan of action using momentum from the events. In the weeks following each event, Minnick and his staffers will reach out to attendees and help make sure the conversation and information-sharing continues, and they will also work to help cut federal red tape for potential projects.
Although Minnick is also spending a significant portion of the August recess working on health care legislation and meeting with constituents on health care issues, he is also continuing a drive to complete his goal of meeting with representatives from each of Idaho’s Top 75 Employers. By the end of August, Minnick will have met with representatives or will have toured 50 of those businesses. During the visits, Minnick and his staff will provide businesses with specific, targeted memos detailing potential economic opportunities through federal agencies.
“My staff and I have learned a lot over the past six months, and we are excited to be able to offer even more concrete ideas and assistance for those working to jump-start Idaho’s economy,” Minnick said.
In addition to the information below, local media markets will be contacted this week with details on opportunities for coverage and interviews with Walt in the coming month.
DETAILS
- Broadband Roundtable
- Date: August 4, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (PDT)/11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (MDT)
- Where: Web-based conference call and presentation.
- Description: Congressman Minnick, other public officials, and industry leaders will hold a roundtable discussion on rural broadband. The Recovery Act appropriated $7.2 billion, and the first application deadline is August 14.
- Connecting Idaho Businesses with Government Contracts
- Date: August 11, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (PDT)/9 a.m. to noon (MDT)
- Locations:
- Idaho AGC. 1649 Shoreline Drive, Suite 100, Boise, ID 83702
- Post Falls City Hall. 408 N. Spokane Street, Post Falls, ID 83854 (Via Webinar)
- Via the internet/webinar. Contact us at the number or address below for Webinar information.
- Description: Seven agencies will join panel discussions and offer information on helping businesses find federal opportunities. Learn to locate and bid on federal and state contracts; become a certified federal contractor and get your company involved in upcoming federal projects.
- Rural Economic Development Summit
- Date: August 25, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT)
- Location: Post Falls City Hall. 408 N. Spokane Street, Post Falls, ID 83854
- Description: Congressman Minnick is inviting city and county officials to learn about grant opportunities, municipal bonds, financing options for water treatment plants, and regional services offered to help Idaho’s communities.
- Builders Roundtable
- Date: September 2, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. (MDT)
- Location: Meridian City Hall, 33 E Broadway, Meridian, ID 83642
- Description: Congressman Minnick will host a roundtable discussion of Idaho’s builders and suppliers. Also invited are federal housing agencies to also listen and present on assistance for the industry.
Anyone interested in attending any of these events should contact Minnick’s office for details.
RSVP/Info: (208) 888-3188, or send email to marie.hattaway@mail.house.gov