Kirkham named REDI CEO

Dana Kirkham

Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) for Eastern Idaho has named former Ammon Mayor Dana Kirkham as its new chief executive officer. Kirkham had been the organization's Science, Technology and Research director since September 2017, and is replacing Jan Rogers, who is retiring as her three-year contract expires.

"My experience working on behalf of Eastern Idaho and growing the region's economy as STAR Director will enable me to move seamlessly into the CEO position," Kirkham said in a news release from the organization. "REDI will continue to promote economic development and market the region to ensure economic growth in the years ahead."

REDI chairman Park Price said Kirkham is a natural successor. "During her time as STAR Director, Dana has demonstrated she is a quick study and a trusted leader. She has the full and enthusiastic support of the board," Price said in the release.

REDI represents 14 counties in eastern Idaho and is focused on job growth, industry retention and business development.

Ahhhsome Relaxation adds Halotherapy Cabins

Halotherapy cabins at Ahhhsome Relaxation in Ammon

Ahhhsome Relaxation has added three Halotherapy Cabins to its facility at 939 South 25th East #115 in Ammon. These Halotherapy Cabins were imported from Estonia and the first to open in Idaho.

Centuries ago, European monks noticed when they treated respiratory ailments in natural salt caverns, their patients got better faster. The monks produced salt dust by grinding salt rocks against each other, which the patients then inhaled.

Dr. Felix Bochkowsky, the state authority for occupational health in Polish industry in the 1840s, saw the same thing was true with miners: while metal and coal miners battled relentless, deadly respiratory ailments, workers in salt mines were healthier than average people, let alone other miners.
In 1843, he published a book about the health benefits of salt dust. His successor, Mstislav Poljakowski, followed by establishing the first salt clinic near Krakow, Poland, which is still in operation today.

By the 1950s, scientific studies (primarily in the USSR) were proving how effective salt therapy is in treating respiratory ailments. Manmade, above-ground Saltrooms provided a controlled environment, and Halotherapy (from “halo”, Greek for salt) became a new option for respiratory treatment.
The first Halotherapy salt chambers opened in the 1960s in Eastern Europe. They were destination health sanatoriums and respiratory hospitals, paid for by the socialized medical system of those countries. As Halotherapy grew more popular in the 1980s and 1990s, health and beauty resorts throughout Europe and Scandinavia began to install Saltrooms and offer Halotherapy as one of their restorative treatments.

Halotherapy is an exposure to kinetically activated dry salt where the micro sized particles are being inhaled while the large salt particles are spread on the top of the skin.  Since dry salt is antibacterial and super absorbent it actively kills bacteria, reduces the inflammation in the respiratory system, and widens the airways for better breathing.

Medical studies in Europe and Russia have confirmed that Halotherapy is safe and that the benefits of Halotherapy are accumulative.  It helps children effectively manage existing respiratory conditions, support better breathing, and build a stronger immune system.  Regular Halotherapy, two or three times a week, can help prevent the common coughs, colds, runny noses, earaches and skin rashes. In addition, regular Halotherapy also calms the nervous system and helps children to focus better in school as well as sleep better at night.  Many adults and children suffering from asthma, allergies, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or other respiratory conditions found that Halotherapy sessions  helped manage respiratory problems and reduce the intake of respiratory medications.

“Our mission has always been to help our members improve their health and now we have another way to specifically help with many types of respiratory conditions without the negative side effects often experienced from prescription drugs,” said Alyce Jeppesen, co-owner of Ahhhsome Relaxation, which has been open since November 2015. More information can be found on their website at www.ahhhsomerelaxation.com.

Visiting Angels of Eastern Idaho hires marketing director

Wendy Spradley

Visiting Angels of Eastern Idaho has hired Wendy Spradley as director of marketing. A seasoned marketing and sales leader in the senior home care industry, she was responsible for market expansion for First Choice Home Health & Hospice in Ogden, Utah. She has worked in various capacities in multiple Visiting Angels locations in the Salt Lake City market, including marketing, administration, community relations, partner channel development and caregiving.

Spradley is also founder/owner of Signature Marketing, a marketing consulting agency in Northern Utah (now operated by her daughter). Wendy’s passion to serve the senior and veterans communities is represented through her service with the Alzheimer’s Association, Round to Honor, The Inn Between and other charitable organizations.

“I was a part of Visiting Angels previously in my career and have always had a love for the service they provide our seniors,” she said. “Visiting Angles of Eastern Idaho has a very kind and caring approach in the way they serve the senior community. That, combined with the way their caregivers talk about loving to work there, told me I want to be a part of this journey.”

Melaleuca taking applications for free IT Boot Camp for teens

This is the third year for Melaleuca's free Information Technology Boot Camp.

Melaleuca is now accepting applications for high school students to participate in a free Information Technology Boot Camp this summer.

Twenty-five high school students from across eastern Idaho will be chosen to attend the free five-day workshop, which offers a hands-on IT experience. Now in its third year, the camp will run July 30-Aug. 3 at the Melaleuca Global Headquarters, south of Idaho Falls.

Returning to lead the camp is Rex Barzee, who chairs BYU-Idaho's Computer Information Technology Department. Under his direction, students will spend the week learning how to create their own smartphone apps and build interactive webpages that use animation, calculations, Visual Studio software, and other IT tools.

"Melaleuca created this hands-on technology camp in an effort to help students develop into leaders of innovation while educating them about the exciting and meaningful opportunities within the field of information technology," said Melaleuca's Chief Information Officer Todd Sorenson. "We want more of Idaho's students to be thoroughly prepared for these opportunities, and we believe that strengthening their foundation in computer science will serve them in securing rewarding careers in science and technology."

Throughout the week, Barzee and two teaching assistants will help the students develop their apps and create webpages using a variety of software, including C#, .NET, and iOS. Students will also be treated to guest lectures and personal tutoring from Melaleuca's IT executives.

Melaleuca relies heavily on IT innovation and implementation to achieve its business goals. Camp attendees will gain an inside look into the various ways technology is used at a $2 billion global enterprise.

"Based on the high level of interest and students' positivity about this program, we know that many Idaho students are passionate about innovation and technology," Sorenson said. "This has been a fun program, and we are regularly impressed with the previous students' ingenuity and abilities."

Because space is limited, the camp is designed specifically for students intending to graduate high school by 2020. As the camp's host and sponsor, Melaleuca will select applicants based on their interest in IT, their experience with computer programming, relevant coursework and GPA.

Applications are being accepted until June 27 and can be submitted online by visiting melaleucajobs.com/current-openings. If you are interested or have questions about the camp, email ITBootCamp@Melaleuca.com.

Cardamom Restaurant planned for downtown Earl Building

The inside of the building at 501 Park Avenue late last week. This is where Pachanga's used to be.

The remodel going on in the Earl Building, at 501 Park Avenue, is for the Cardamom Restaurant. A building permit for remodeling of 2,945 square feet got the OK from the city of Idaho Falls Building Department in mid-May.

The business owner listed on the building plans is Sheba Bakshi-Sofi, who according to her LinkedIn profile, spent close to 10 years at Melaleuca before leaving in April to pursue this endeavor. Before that, she was with ConAgra Foods and Nestle.

Submissions open for Idaho Innovation Awards

Submissions are now being accepted to the 13th annual Idaho Innovation Awards. The annual awards program is presented by Stoel Rives LLP, Trailhead, and the Idaho Technology Council. The program recognizes innovations, innovative professionals and companies throughout the Gem State.
Entries are being accepted through July 31.

Nominations from any industry will be accepted in the following categories:

Commercialized Innovation of the Year. This category recognizes innovations from established companies that are commercialized, on the market contributing to the local economy, and generating revenue.

Consumer Product of the Year. This category recognizes new concepts, technologies or products that fill a niche or meet market needs and have the potential to revolutionize the process, product, segment or scientific field.

Early-Stage Innovation of the Year. This category recognizes innovations that are less than five years old, that have not been commercialized or are not generating revenue, and that are from companies or nonprofit/academic entities such as a university technology transfer office.

Innovative Company of the Year. This category recognizes innovative companies—through culture, management, products or services, technology and/or marketing—that have used an innovative solution to overcome a challenge or obstacle and that have a unique, clear and relevant strategy in using innovation as a means to achieve their strategic goals.

Innovator of the Year. This category recognizes innovative professionals—women and men who demonstrate innovative characteristics and thinking in their careers, accomplishments and leadership.

For more information on the program, visit www.idahoinnovationawards.com/ and follow the conversation at #IdahoInnovationAwards.

Winners will be announced Oct. 18 at the Idaho Technology Council Hall of Fame ceremony at Boise Centre.

Idaho Falls names new airport director

Rick Cloutier

The city of Idaho Falls has hired Rick Cloutier as the new director of Idaho Falls Regional Airport. The hiring was approved by the City Council at its regular meeting Thursday night.

Cloutier is expected to begin on or before July 2, at an annual salary of $125,000. He has an extensive background in airport administration, most recently serving as assistant director of airports at Myrtle Beach International Airport, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

His professional experience also includes municipal management experience in both general and commercial aviation, and as a private pilot.  Prior to his career in airport administration, Cloutier served for 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine.

“I am confident Mr. Cloutier will serve well as a valuable member of the city’s leadership team,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Casper.  “His successful record of accomplishment will bring much to IDA and enable this particular city enterprise to continue to grow and build and improve air service, not just for the citizens of Idaho Falls but for all of eastern Idaho.”

Besides expertise in general aviation, Cloutier also has expertise in federal/FAA reporting and compliance, TSA security regulations, FBO oversight, ground transportation, and airport real estate management.

DOE names Peters Laboratory Director of the Year

Dr. Mark Peters

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Dr. Mark Peters as the Laboratory Director of the Year for his commitment to partnering small businesses with Idaho National Laboratory.

Peters stood out as an exceptional candidate among the various laboratory directors within the Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) for meeting all of INL’s small business goals in fiscal year 2017, according to a press release from the lab. The DOE’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) selects recipients for various awards under the Annual Small Awards Business Program for the previous fiscal year.

The OSDBU will present the awards during the 17th Annual DOE Small Business Forum & Expo in Houston, Texas, May 22-24.

In fiscal year 2017, the INL Small Business Program exceeded all of its annual procurement goals. INL prioritized strengthening its partnership with small business, paying particular attention to businesses in Idaho. Small business goals are part of the DOE contract, and each year new goals are negotiated to determine what percentage of procurement volume is to be set aside.

“These accomplishments help ensure the lab and government have access to the best competitive rates while supporting a sufficient small business base to ensure quality delivery of services and products,” said Rick Provencher, DOE-Idaho Operations Office manager.

Charles Smith, director of OSDBU, congratulated Peters and the laboratory on furthering the department’s mission to be a leader in providing contract and subcontract opportunities to small businesses.

“Small businesses generate innovation and technical solutions that contribute towards the fulfillment of our national security and energy missions,” Smith said. “This award recognizes the efforts and commitment of DOE’s small business advocates who take every opportunity to utilize small business concerns to meet its requirements.”

“I am honored to receive this award,” Peters said. “At INL, we believe that small businesses are an indispensable asset to the energy industry, enabling us to fulfill our mission and vision. This collaboration between the businesses and the laboratory would not have been possible without the diligent efforts of INL’s Small Business Program, and we are grateful that the program’s accomplishments will be recognized.”

Pop's Ice Cream opens on Park Avenue

Jennifer and Steve Jones, owners of Pop's Ice Cream.

Just in time for summer — and Alive After 5 — Pop’s Ice Cream is open at 475 Park Avenue, right between the Center Theater and La Vanilla Bean.

“I think every kid dreams of having an ice cream or candy store,” said Jennifer Jones, who owns the shop with her husband, Steve. The Joneses are shaping up as true believers in downtown Idaho Falls. In addition to Pop’s, they own Idaho Escape Rooms, also on Park Avenue, which has expanded from one to four rooms since opening in 2016.

Jennifer Jones said she sees plenty going in the downtown district that is encouraging. The Broadway project, at Capital and Broadway, is due to be open in the fall. Across Park Avenue the space is being developed into a reception center, and around the corner, in the Rogers Building, the third floor is being developed into 12 residential lofts similar to the ones on Shoup Avenue above Happy’s.

“It’s such a fun place, and the Downtown Development people have been so supportive of everyone,” she said.

For Pop’s, the Joneses serve 24 flavors of Russell’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and 12 flavors of Mountain Fresh Italian Ice. The eating area is 700 square feet with seven tables. The color of the walls is “Pepto Pink,” and the logo was done by the Joneses’ daughter, Blair Kolbet.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Bank of Idaho CEO to speak at Chamber series in June

Jeff Newgard

Jeff Newgard, president and CEO of Bank of Idaho, will be the featured speaker June 28 at the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce’s CEO Speaker Series.

The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Waterfront at Snake River Landing, 1220 Event Center Drive in Idaho Falls. Questions from audience members will be taken.

Newgard came to Bank of Idaho in July 2015 from HomeStreet Bank, where he was responsible for management and strategic expansion throughout central and eastern Washington. He had joined HomeStreet with the company’s acquisition of Yakima National Bank, where he had served as president and chief executive officer.

He has held a number of leadership positions in regional and community banking since 1998. Newgard is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking (Colorado) and holds a Masters of Business Administration from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree from Walla Walla College.

In the community he currently serves as Area 5 Chair of the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve, also on the Independent Community Bankers’ of America Select Committee on Cyber Security, the Idaho Falls Symphony Board, and War Bonnet Rodeo Board of Directors.

There is no charge for the event, but space is limited. RSVP to programs@idahofallschamber.com
to reserve a spot.

Old Bubba's BBQ on First Street being remodeled into Adam & Eve

After sitting vacant for at least a year, the old Bubba's/Dad's property at First Street and Northgate Mile is being radically repurposed into Adam & Eve, a lingerie and adult toy store.

The building at 118 First Street, formerly Bubba’s then Dad’s barbecue, is being remodeled into Adam & Eve, a store with 2,454 square feet of retail space, two changing rooms and an office.

The building permit, which was granted by the city of Idaho Falls in late April, lists Kraig and Kara McGee as the business owners and Resin Architecture, an Idaho Falls firm, as the architect.

As you might surmise from the name Adam & Eve, the business is of a mature nature. With stores all over the United States, Adam & Eve bills itself on its website as “America's #1 Trusted Source for Sex Toys.”

The McGees started with a store in Nampa in 2007, expanded to Coeur d’Alene in 2009, and Boise in 2010. (This says a lot when you consider the shape the economy was at the time.) They have since expanded to Pocatello, and were interviewed last year by Ted Vayos of Body Magazine. You can follow the link to that interview here, http://www.bodymagazine.us/retail.php?idStore=328, or if you’re too lazy to click through here are a few of their comments:

“Our Adam & Eve Stores are well-lit, clean and organized. We pride ourselves in creating a comfortable and safe environment for women and couples to explore and learn about what products are available to them, and to provide a professional atmosphere when purchasing any item. …

“The striking improvement over the “old school” adult store makes for a much more appealing and fun shopping experience. From the friendly, knowledgeable staff, to the wide variety of products, to the clean and classy store appearance, we easily outperform our competitors.”

Montana & Idaho Community Development shortens name

Dave Glaser

Montana & Idaho Community Development Corp. has changed its name to MoFi, a name intended to better represent its expanding geographic footprint and product line, said Dave Glaser, the company’s president.

MoFi provides financing and consulting services to business and communities that are just outside the financial mainstream, with solutions including business lending and tax credit financing for businesses, non-profits and real estate developments.

In 2017, MoFi provided over $11 million in small-business financing to businesses that were unable to access traditional bank capital, with roughly half that amount going to Idaho borrowers. It expects that amount to increase in 2018. It has also been responsible for catalyzing multiple projects using New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), a program of the U.S. Treasury that is designed to incentivize investment and development in economically underserved areas. Since 2012, MoFi has used NMTC to support over $150 million in projects in Idaho, including Fresca Mexican Foods (Caldwell), Golden Valley Natural (Shelley), Hemming Cedars (Rexburg), Kootenai Health (Coeur d’Alene), Targhee Professional Services (Rexburg), Western States Caterpillar (Pocatello), and Idaho Burger Grill (St. Anthony).

Glaser said the new name came after recent expansions into Wyoming, Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon.

“For over 30 years, we have aggressively grown our organization to meet the needs of low- and middle-income people in our region,” he said. “But for many, the inequality of opportunity continues to grow. We’ve realized that the people we serve need more, so we’re responding to the need for flexible, responsible capital by expanding our reach. In addition to Montana and Idaho, we are now serving Wyoming, eastern Washington and eastern Oregon. We look forward to continuing our work with the hardworking people and communities of Idaho in pursuit of our mission, which remains unchanged: to transform the lives of individuals and strengthen community prosperity.”

Last fall, MoFi relocated and expanded its Boise office, led by Ben Wright, Director of Consulting Services. Wright oversees the organization’s asset management division, which provides technical support to loan clients, including free bookkeeping and accounting services, connecting them with marketing and advertising grants, providing management advice and helping them establish a lasting relationship with a local bank.

Orangetheory Fitness opening in Sandcreek Commons

Orange Theory Fitness will be opening in Ammon’s Sandcreek Commons shopping center early this summer. The 3,600-square-foot fitness center will be at 2678 E Sunnyside Road near Broulim’s Fresh Foods, Bill’s Bike & Run, Lunchbox Wax, Hobby Lobby and others. The business is owned by J&J Fitness IF, LLC.

OrangeTheory Fitness’ concept is the one-hour full-body workout. The gym offers trainer-led classes all day for all levels of fitness. Based in Boca Raton, Fla., it offers group personal training workouts based on high intensity interval training (HIIT) that blend cardiovascular and strength training.

The Ammon location marks the 1,049th location for the chain, which was named the fastest-growing woman-owned company in 2017 by Forbes and brought in $451 million in revenue in 2016.

“We are eagerly anticipating the opening of the new OrangeTheory Fitness,” says Sandcreek Commons Chief Development Officer Eric Isom. “OrangeTheorgy will be a wonderful addition to the center and to the Ammon community.”

CEI names dean of student affairs

Michael Walker

Michael J. Walker has been named dean of student affairs for College of Eastern Idaho (CEI). He comes to eastern Idaho from Utah Valley University, where he has held leadership and teaching positions since 2008, including instructor, assistant director and, most recently, director. He launched UVU’s professional education program (certifications and workforce training) in 2015. From 2009 to 2015, he served as assistant administrator for the UVU Wasatch Campus in Heber City, facilitating student and faculty services.

Walker holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Brigham Young University, and a master’s in higher education and student affairs from Utah State University. He is working on his doctorate in education (instructional leadership) with Utah State University. His research focuses on concurrent and dual enrollment. He has taught more than 60 collegiate courses in history, ethics and the humanities for over ten years, having taught at UVU, USU, and Salt Lake Community College.

NuScale plan for small modular reactor in Idaho clears regulatory hurdle

NuScale began life as a spinoff company based on research conducted by Oregon State University professor Jose Reyes. (NuScale Power photo)

NuScale Power's plans for a small modular reactor west of Idaho Falls has cleared another regulatory hurdle, as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has completed the first and most intensive phase of review for the company’s design certification application.

This is the first and only SMR application to ever undergo NRC review. The NRC is expected to certify NuScale’s design, and the company’s first customer, Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems -- of which Idaho Falls Power is a member -- is planning a 12-module SMR plant to be in operation by the mid-2020s.

“We are thankful for the rigorous review of our revolutionary nuclear design and greatly appreciate the government recognizing the importance of furthering NuScale’s advancement,” said the company's power chairman and chief executive officer, John Hopkins. “Our technology means significant economic and job benefits for the country and it’s positioned to revitalize the domestic nuclear industry by virtue of NuScale’s affordable, flexible, and safe solution to providing zero-carbon energy.”

During the 115,000 hours the NRC spent reviewing the application, it issued far fewer requests for additional information compared to other DCAs, validating in NuScale's view the simplicity of the design and quality of the application.

On a separate but related front, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy announced Friday it was awarding NuScale $40 million in cost-sharing financial assistance. The federal award supports early-stage research and development and the industry’s embrace of these technologies, with the stated goal of promoting U.S. energy independence, electricity grid resiliency, national security, and clean baseload power.

Headquartered in Portland, Ore., NuScale, majority-owned by Fluor Corp., has already received more than $200 million in federal support. The $40 million award announced Friday, the lion's share of $60 million doled out under the DOE’s new "U.S. Industry Opportunities for Advanced Nuclear Technology" program, comes with an equivalent cost share.

In a Portland Business Journal story, NuScale Director of Communications Mariam Nabizad said the company has "commitments from private investors to cover the NuScale $40 million portion of the DOE award." She added that the company "looks to continue to seek additional investment beyond our DOE cost share award to provide the funding to complete our commercialization program."

In a Bloomberg story earlier this month, "First Small-Scale Nuclear Reactor May Be Just Eight Years Away," CFO Jay Surina said NuScale was looking for "deep-pocketed" individuals who could provide it up to $120 million in equity investment.

Freddy's gets new chief for Idaho restaurants

Eric Stine

Eric Stine of EMS Management will be the new principal in charge of the Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers locations in Idaho. Idaho's first Freddy's opened in 2014 in Meridian, and the chain has since expanded to Nampa, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Chubbuck and Eagle. Stine is also part of the management team for the restaurant in Rexburg.
 
“Our focus is on high-quality food, genuine hospitality and maintaining a clean and comfortable atmosphere for guests of all ages,” Stine said.

Stine's was the first general manager at the first Freddy's location in Wichita, Kansas. His management team has more than 25 years of combined experience.

“We strive to provide fast, friendly service and premium quality food,” said Stine. “With the recent closing of our Boise location and Caldwell's restaurant being put up for lease, we are dedicated more than ever to building our Freddy's restaurants to be the place all our guests want to go. We want to be more than just another place to eat in the community by becoming familiar with our guests and their stories.”

Co-founded in 2002 by Scott Redler and Bill, Randy and Freddy Simon, Freddy’s opened its first location in Wichita. Today, 300 Freddy's restaurants serve 31 states across the nation from California to Pennsylvania, Virginia and down the East Coast states to Florida. Freddy’s has been named Franchise Times magazine’s 2018 Fast & Serious top 10, Entrepreneur’s 2018 Franchise 500 top 50, Inc. Magazine’s “Fastest-Growing Private Companies” 2017 list and many other nationwide and local industry awards.

INL honors inventors, achievements in 2017

Idaho National Laboratory held its annual Laboratory Director Awards reception Friday night in Idaho Falls, honoring outstanding research and development accomplishments in support of INL’s mission and highlighting achievements from 2017, including 20 newly issued patents and six copyright assertions.


"2017 was a year of achievement and success at INL, thanks to our dedicated employees," INL Laboratory Director Mark Peters said. "Tonight's ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate those achievements and express our gratitude. Congratulations to this year's winners, and to our entire workforce for what was truly a memorable year. I appreciate everyone's passion and hard work."

Rick Demmer, Harry Rollins and Robert Mariani were inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame at the five-patent level. Douglas Akers and Kevin Gering were inducted at the 10-patent level. 


The 2017 award recipients were:


• Community Award: Mary Adamic

• Inclusive Diversity Award: Theron McGriff

• Leadership Award: Eric Dufek

• Mission Advancement: Partnership and Collaboration Award: Consequence-driven, Cyber-informed Engineering Team: Curtis St. Michel, Robert Smith, Sarah Freeman, Amanda Belloff, Roya Gordon, Kara Turner, Jeffrey Klingler

• Mission Enabling Individual Award: Gregory English

• Mission Enabling Team Award: Advanced Test Reactor Electrical Upgrade Team: Scott Despain, Michael Corbridge, Benjamin England, Russ Howard

• Laboratory Award for Early Career Exceptional Achievement: Aaron Craft

• Laboratory Award for Exceptional Engineering Achievement: Craig Rieger

• Laboratory Award for Exceptional Scientific Achievement: Masashi Shimada

• Laboratory Award for Individual Lifetime Achievement in Science and Technology: Stephen G. Johnson

• Inventor of the Year Award: Hussein Moradi

• Research and Development Technician of the Year Award: James Milloway, Byron White

• Operations Technician of the Year Award: Jordan Cox, Tiffany Schorzman

• INL Vision Award: Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory Team: Emil Franklin, Aaron Balsmeier, Noel Duckwitz, Jeffery Bailey, Jayson Bush

• INL Vision Award: No-Idle Motor Coach Team: Ira Pray, Jeffrey Brown, Michael Perez, Bill Ziegler, Colin Letham

INL named finalist for two IT security awards

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been named a 2018 SC Award finalist by SC Media in recognition of exceptional information technology (IT) security. The two categories for which INL received recognition are Best IT Security-related Training Program and Best Security Team.

Selected by an expert panel of judges, the annual SC Awards are seen as the industry gold standard of accomplishment for cybersecurity professionals, products and services.

“INL’s cybersecurity team and training program focuses on people, processes and technology,” said INL Chief Information Officer Robert Hillier. “We differentiate ourselves by effectively utilizing multiple channels and platforms to secure our networks and train our employees on safe cyber practices.”

Team members realize that as threats evolve, they must continue to develop and manage an inclusive approach to protecting the organization’s data. Because the team has actively branded itself through proactive problem-solving, INL employees value them as a trusted resource, rather than an enforcement arm. Key to this success is evolving the team’s ability to be agile as they implement processes and controls, while remaining user friendly and whenever possible, invisible to end users.


Periodic cybersecurity training, disaster recovery planning and incident response exercises are key components to the lab’s success in the awareness and management of security risks. Incident response planning includes INL end users, management and IT professionals, and extends to other national laboratories and the Department of Energy.

"Helping organizations manage risk in ways which are cost-effective, user friendly, and mission enabling takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Ensuring the nation's lead nuclear energy laboratory can continue forward safely is no easy task," said INL Deputy Chief Information Officer Darren Van Booven. “In a field where this hard work is often underappreciated, it is very rewarding to see the team be recognized with such high honors.”

To view the complete list of winners and finalists, click here.

For over 25 years, SC Media has armed information security professionals with in-depth and unbiased information through timely news, comprehensive analysis, cutting-edge features, contributions from thought leaders, and independent product reviews in partnership with and for top-level information security executives and their technical teams.

Bill's Bike & Run plans grand opening Friday for Ammon store

Bill’s Bike & Run has scheduled a grand opening for its new Ammon location Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. It will start with ribbon cutting by the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Free grilled food and cold drinks will be served from 4 until 7. A large
bike and gear demo area will be open, and guests are invited to test out the all new Specialized Stumpjumper and Electric bikes. Attendees can enter raffles for free giveaways by participating in activities. Bill’s is also offering $10 additional “Bill’s Bucks” for each purchase of $100 or more.

The 1,200-square-foot store opened last November in the Sandcreek Commons shopping center. It is the second
location for Bill’s Bike & Run, which also has a shop in Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls.

Regular store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Bill’s Bike & Run of Ammon also offers community group runs starting from the shop beginning at 6:15 p.m. every Wednesday.

Bill’s Bike & Run has gained recognition over the decades through its support of community and youth programs, including Shop with a Cop and the Salvation Army, and has given away hundreds of restored bikes to underprivileged youth in the area.

The business dates back to 1947 when it was founded by Bill Murdock as Bill's Bike Shop, selling motorcycles and bicycles. In 2010, Gary Wight purchased the business from the Murdock family, and in 2012 the business moved to Snake River Landing, to a store much larger than its longtime Holmes Avenue location. The name change came in 2013, when products and services for runners were added.

Sandcreek Commons shopping center is a 40-acre joint venture between Ball Ventures, LLC of Idaho Falls and Woodbury Corp. of Salt Lake City, Utah. Located at Hitt Road and Sunnyside Road, it is home to Cabela’s, Hobby Lobby, Broulim’s Fresh Foods, D.L. Evans Bank, Zions Bank, Mountain American Credit Union, Great Clips, Wendy’s, 7 Nail Spa, Kneader’s Bakery & Café, Ferraro’s Italian Cuisine and others. Additional space is available for lease. For more information, call 208.523.3794 or visit ballventures.com.

INL, State of Idaho break ground on two new research facilities

From INL Public Affairs

Officials from Idaho National Laboratory and the State of Idaho held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday morning on two new research facilities: the Cybercore Integration Center and the Collaborative Computing Center (C3).

Both buildings will be located off University Boulevard on Idaho Falls' north side, near the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, INL's Energy Innovation Laboratory, and ISU's Bennion Student Union Building.

The Cybercore Integration Center will host advanced electronics labs for industry, government and academia to work together to systematically engineer cyber and physical security innovations to protect the nation’s most critical infrastructure, for example the power grid.

The Collaborative Computing Center will provide a modern computing environment, hosting research collaborations and opportunities that would otherwise not be possible – a place where INL researchers, Idaho universities, and industry will explore computer modeling and simulation to develop new nuclear materials, advance nuclear energy concepts and conduct a broad span of scientific research.

“Supporting this collaboration is about much more than new facilities; we are investing in Idaho’s future,” Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said. “But in addition to the INL’s continuing economic importance, this partnership provides Idaho universities with an important edge in preparing tomorrow’s world leaders in cyber-security and nuclear energy research.”

The new facilities will help strengthen partnerships with Idaho universities by tailoring internships for students seeking advanced degrees in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering and computer science, INL Director Mark Peters said. “Students are the talent of the future, and we want to invest in their success. By offering these career-enhancing opportunities, everyone wins," Peters said.

Idaho State Board of Education will retain the economic benefit that will be created by the financing, construction, and operation of these facilities. Off-site computer users, such as students and faculty at Idaho’s universities and colleges, will also have remote access to the high-performance computing systems in the Collaborative Computing Center through the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON).

“This is an exceptional example of a public/private partnership working to advance the educational offerings across the entire state,” said Linda Clark, president of the Idaho State Board of Education.

It's unofficial: Idaho Falls Dutch Bros No. 1 to be open by early May

All smiles with the Dutch Bros crew on Woodruff Avenue. Though there is nothing official, word is they will be open by the first week of May.

For those of you who can't get enough news about Dutch Bros Coffee: I noticed people in the new store on Woodruff Avenue while leaving Winco Saturday, so I decided to go over and ask what's up. First things first: It smells really, really good. I poked my head through to chat and did not want to leave. Training is going on, and a crew has been hired, although they are still taking applications. Here's a link to the pdf: https://www.dutchbros.com/public/images/careers/Employment_Application_2018.pdf

The manager was not present, but the word from the crew was that while no official opening date has been set they are shooting for the first week in May. We will be monitoring this news as it develops, because we know how important it is to all of you. Since we posted the news on Nov. 1 it has received 63,772 pageviews, more than anything else we've ever posted, including Hobby Lobby.

INL develops new petrochemical process involving less energy consumption, lower CO2 emissions

INL researchers Ting He (left) and Dong Ding have developed an electrochemical process for creating synthetic fuels and plastics that uses 65 percent less energy.

A team of Idaho National Laboratory researchers has pioneered a process they say could cut the energy consumption in petrochemical manufacturing by 65 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 98 percent.

Since the early 20th century, everything from gasoline and diesel fuel to plastics has been made by cracking complex hydrocarbon molecules found in oil, coal and natural gas with tremendous amounts of heat and pressure. In an article published last week in the scientific journal Energy and Environmental Science, the INL researchers report they’ve hit upon an electrochemical process for converting ethane in natural gas liquids to ethylene, which is used to make polymers for everything from cellphone cases to disposable diapers.

Ethane offers a simpler hydrocarbon to refine than oil. It can be converted to ethylene thermally, at temperatures of up to 850 Celsius, the same way as with oil. But the new process involves much lower temperatures, hence much less energy consumption, as it feeds ethane to the anode in an electrochemical membrane reactor. Electricity in the reactor separates protons (hydrogen ions) from the molecules, leaving ethylene. The protons themselves migrate through a dense electrolyte to the cathode, where they combine with electrons to form hydrogen gas.

INL's research is being conducted in conjunction with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Wyoming. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announced in February that the project would receive funding as part of $35 million being awarded to early-stage innovative technologies for advanced manufacturing.

Several factors are driving the project, said INL researcher Dr. Dong Ding.  First, the shale gas revolution has provided a plentiful supply of natural gas at historically low prices. Second, the declining cost of electricity makes electrochemical refining more economically feasible.

Theoretically, if the process was to be powered by a renewable source and the captured hydrogen was incorporated into fuel cells, there could be a net gain in process energy, he said. From a CO2 standpoint, using a non-carbon source of electricity — nuclear, hydro, wind or solar — could cut the carbon footprint down to 2 percent of traditional production methods.

The INL team will focus next on how to convert methane into ethylene. Methane is also found in natural gas — more plentifully than ethane, in fact — but its carbon-hydrogen bond is harder to break, Ding said.

Peer reviewers for the Energy & Environmental Science article called the work "convincing," "timely," "original" and "highly interesting."

Battelle, DOE, extend INL operating contract to 2024

In December, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) decided to extend its contract with Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) to manage and operate Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This week, DOE officially approved the contract modification that enables a five-year extension through Sept. 30, 2024. This followed a successful negotiation between DOE and BEA on terms and conditions of the INL contract.

The contract extension complies with an executive order issued in February 2017, directing agencies to eliminate unnecessary regulatory burdens. “The agreed-upon terms bring clarity to what is expected of BEA and INL in the next several years,” INL Director Mark Peters said. “The ultimate outcome is that INL is even better-positioned to serve the American taxpayer by helping resolve the nation’s big energy and security challenges.”

DOE originally awarded BEA the management contract in November 2004, creating Idaho National Laboratory and separating the cleanup work to form the Idaho Cleanup Project. That contract ran from until Sept. 30, 2014, at which point, DOE exercised a five-year option period that was set to expire Sept. 30, 2019. With the new five-year extension, BEA is contracted to operate and manage INL through 2024.

Key INL initiatives during the term of the contract extension will include:

• Revitalizing the nuclear energy sector in the United States through research conducted at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT), and the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC).
• Continuing research and development on advanced reactor designs, including partnering with the private sector to develop and demonstrate microreactor technologies for potentially powering remote communities and military bases around the world. This work will also include partnerships with industry and other stakeholders to develop and deploy the next generation of nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs).
• Improving upon INL’s world-leading cyber security capabilities and expertise, including efforts to make the nation’s power grids, transportation and water systems more resilient from cyber, physical and natural threats.
• Extending the electric vehicle corridor in the west, including longer-lived batteries and improved charging infrastructure.
• Developing integrated energy systems to stabilize the power grid and increase energy storage capabilities.
• Continuing support for biofuels research and turning captured carbon into usable products, something that could help the nation’s coal plants reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Promoting STEM education and working with college and university partners to fill the pipeline of potential future employees with talented scientists, engineers, technicians and support personnel.
• Productive partnerships with academia, industry, and federal, state and local governments that allow us to solve complex problems while driving economic growth and making American industry more competitive on a global scale, now and into the future.