Greenville Chamber Begins Intercommunity Leadership Visit

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By David Dykes

BOISE, Idaho – An estimated 80 South Carolinians, most from the Upstate, were scheduled to be here this week as part of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s intercommunity leadership visit.

After a travel day and reception Tuesday, participants were to dive into such topics as Boise’s regional overview and brand story, major issues such as housing, homelessness and childcare, the impact of community philanthropy and removing barriers for business success.

Chamber officials said the goal is to unlock fresh perspectives and learn how Boise navigated the opportunities and challenges of significant economic and population growth.

Said Carlos Phillips, president and CEO of the Greenville Chamber: “Greenville is in a wonderful position. We’re growing economically, and our population is growing as well. There are a lot of folks who are concerned about the growth. But while I believe growth can’t solve every problem, we won’t solve any of them without it. Childcare is one of them.”

Chamber officials said like Greenville, Boise is a mid-size metro that punches above its weight, attracting talent, capital and companies while addressing challenges like housing, infrastructure and workforce development through strategic investments in education and entrepreneurship.

The officials add Boise is an excellent case study of leaders making pivotal decisions to invest in their own community. And the officials will learn that as Boise continue to grows, how it plans to sustain that success.

The Chamber group is scheduled to hear from Clark Krause. executive director of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership; Sean Keithly, economic development director for the city of Boise; and Tommy Ahlquist, CEO of Ahlquist, a commercial real estate development, construction and property management company founded in 2004.

Breakout tours also are scheduled.

In addition, Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke; Lori Wolff, budget director, Office of Gov. Brad Little; and Wendi Secrist, executive director of the Idaho Workforce Development Council, plan to address the group.