Monthly Archives: February 2017

Idaho Income Trends Show Post-Recession Rise

Idaho’s population has grown since the last recession, rising to 1.65 million people in 2015, a 5.3 percent increase since 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of households increased by 3.6 percent from 2010 to close to 590,000 in 2015 according to American Community Survey one-year estimates. Much of the growth has been concentrated in southwestern Idaho due to the expanding Boise metropolitan area. How has income fared in the same time period?

The U.S. Bureau of Economic analysis estimates that with the exception of a period of decline during the recession of 2007-09, per capita personal income has grown steadily over the past decade. When adjusted for inflation, the real per capita income grew by 9.2 percent from 2010 to 2014. The Inflation-adjusted median household income likewise grew by 11 percent between 2010 and 2015.

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Around Idaho: January 2017 Economic Activity

Information provided in this article is from professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North Central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South Central Idaho
Southeastern
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO – Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai & Shoshone counties

Kootenai County

  • The city of Rathdrum has announced plans to form an urban renewal agency. The goal of the agency will be the development of Rathdrum’s large vacant areas which are currently zoned for light industrial. Rathdrum is home to two technical schools, and city officials expressed hope that development of the industrial areas will help keep graduates from these schools working in the city. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Empire Unmanned – a northern Idaho manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles – has announced that it will offer a certification course for commercial drone pilots. The company’s sales tripled in 2016 as commercial uses for drones have proliferated. The certification course, which will be offered at North Idaho College, will reflect the evolving regulatory requirements promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • The Coeur d’Alene school board voted in favor of a $35.5 million bond measure and a $32 million operating levy, both of which will be put before votes in March. The measures come amid rapid enrollment growth which has left Coeur d’Alene schools significantly overcrowded. Due to rising assessed property values, tax rates would not increase even if both the bond and the levy are approved. Source: Spokesman Review

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Find the Right Employees by Improving Your Job Posting

Finding the right employee can sometimes seem like a puzzle

One of the most important aspects of the job as a manager is hiring new employees. Taking the time to find someone who is not just capable of doing the job well, but who is also a good fit for the company is important.

Finding the right person for the job also will save time and money down the road but ensuring your job posting is done correctly can be a bit puzzling. Following a few simple steps in the hiring process will help ensure a great fit.

Write better job titles

“A good job title is essential,” said Darren Rux, a senior workforce consultant in the Department of Labor Boise office. The job title should be specific and reflect what the job actually does rather than a generic job title. Don’t use cutesy job titles and avoid clichés. Make sure the job title is not confusing or misleading or prospective employees may pass on applying.  When hiring for a position above entry level, try to include the level of seniority the position requires.

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