SREDA Board Meeting
June 3, 2026 – 7:00 am
FMTC, Fruitland, ID
Directors, Members & Guests present: John Breidenbach, Ontario Chamber of Commerce; Dan Cummings, City of Ontario; Tatiana Burgess, City of Ontario; Jeff Williams, CBCP; Ron Rembelski, Farmers Mutual Telephone Company; David Armstrong, Rogue Credit Union; Natasha McDaniel, City of Weiser, Weiser Chamber of Commerce; Larry Hogg, City of Weiser; Kathy Patrick, City of Payette; Barbara Wilson, Promote Payette; Torie Ramirez, First Security Bank, Rotary Club; Jeff Carpenter and Kristen Nieskins, SREDA.
Zoom: Stu Grimes, City of Fruitland; Cathy Yasuda, TVCC; Bob Komoto, Kiwanis Club and Four Rivers Cultural Center; Tobin Dixon, SBA; Jules Belyea, Idaho Commerce; Taylor Dunn, Idaho Power.
1. Chairman John Breidenbach called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the Wednesday morning meeting at FMTC.
2. Introduction of Attendees: Chairman Breidenbach asked everyone present to introduce themselves and the business or entity they were representing.
3. Approval of May 2026 Board Minutes: Director Hogg made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, and it was seconded by Director Ramirez. Motion passed.
4. The May 2026 Financial Report was presented by Larry Hogg. Director Hogg reported that the budget was finalized and a new snapshot was presented. Director Hogg reported that both the actual revenues and expenses are on track with the projected amounts.
5. Staff Report: Jeff reported that Project Fix Me has reported that they’re taking a different direction: shifting their focus to finding clients, instead of building. Project PAR is continuing to work on engineering. Jeff and Kristen have met with the staff of the Visitor Center; Jeff reported that during the Memorial Day weekend, there have been 2,953 visitors recorded and Jeff is continuing his efforts in stocking the center with pamphlets and new materials. Upcoming: Jeff will be meeting with an attorney to learn more about Opportunity Zones. Chair Breidenbach asked Jeff to update the group regarding the Malheur County membership. Jeff reported that he was just notified that Malheur County has committed the full $10,000 to SREDA. City of Ontario’s budget committee has also committed $10,000. Other jurisdictions have their respective budget hearings coming up, where they will discuss their SREDA commitments. Jeff was informed that New Plymouth is likely not to allocate any funding in this coming budget year.
SREDA Staff Report
June 2026
2026 PROJECTS
Project Fix Me – (Fruitland) Looking for vacate medical clinic for possible purchase. Requested
information from RE for building. Project has taken a turn. They are looking for companies that can use their services before they purchase a building.
Project Flower – (Nyssa) Looking for opportunities for building upgrades. (replace aging doors, fire protection systems, upgrade nits). Looking for Grant opportunities. Client is putting together estimates so they know how much it will cost to fund the renovation.
Project Park – (Washington Co.) City of Cambridge is looking to expand city park and install public restroom building. Working with Commerce on different options. Waiting on Project repair before moving forward. It will be later this fall after Project repair is finished when they can start the process for Project Park.
Project Brush/Annette – (Payette Co.) Entrepreneur working on a new product. Referred from SBDC Ontario. Referral to Idaho Commerce. No new update. Still looking for investors. No new update.
Project Knock, Knock – (Payette/Washington Counties) Manufacturing company looking to expand. No new update. Nothing new. Still looking for property.
Project Back to Life – New Plymouth – No update. Client is still looking for investor. Working with SBDC Idaho for plan.
Project Corn Huskers – (Fruitland) Continuing to talk with possible rail partners. No new updates on possible rail users.
Project Ties – Idaho Northern RR. Seeing opportunities on the in Emmett, Payette & Fruitland. (Payette Co.) Continuing to talk with possible rail partners. No new updates on possible rail users.
Project Hen House – Community Development project. (Midvale). Working w/IC for other park options. Had a Zoom meeting and talked about possible grant writer for a job creation grant. Dennis from IC has been working with them on a couple possible project grants.
Project Kale – Housing project (Weiser) Project is on hold for now. Still on hold.
Project Dille Dental – Business expansion. (Weiser) Emailed contact person. They have the land and finalizing the office design. They hope to start construction this summer. They hope a block grant might be available. No update.
Project Repair – Working with City of Cambridge on Senior Center projects. USDA/Commerce.
(Washington Co.) THEY WERE AWARDED THE GRANT. Big Win!
Project Par – (Fruitland/Payette Co.) Diesel repair shop. Fruitland business is expanding to a larger
location. Purchased land off exit 3 for expansion. Construction is starting soon.
***Just a reminder that certain projects are not listed due to confidentiality agreements or at the
discretion of the project managers.
OTHER:
Snake River View Visitor Center Update: Met with Rest Area Manager and staff. I’m getting
pamphlets and brochures in from area attractions and tourist information for handouts. Continue to call different places requesting traveler guides and maps. Started Memorial Day staffing with 2 employees from American Staffing. They will be on site 7 days a week, 8 hours per day. 2953 visitors Memorial week.
Meeting/contacts this month:
Met with Executive Board for new budget and snapshot formal approval.
Met with Washington County Commissioners for 26-27 membership presentation.
Met with Payette County Commissioners for 26-27 membership presentation.
Met with Payette City Council for 26-27 membership presentation.
Met with Vale City Budget Committee for 26-27 membership presentation.
Attended Ontario Chamber Lunch
Attended Fruitland City Council
Attended Fruitland Chamber lunch
Attended Ontario ribbon cuttings
Attended Job Fair at Ontario Elks
Talked about SREDA at Ontario Chamber Leadership day
Provided Conference room for Community in Action for financial home buying education classes.
Worked with Washington County Chief Deputy/Auditor for final payment of the rural ED Pro Grant. Should be arriving soon. New application for 2026-2027 is now available. I’ll be working on getting it completed. Worked on list of updates for the website. Still looking for ways to list Idaho properties with one site. Oregon list through Prospector.
Continued to contact past members for possible SREDA renewed membership.
Contact new prospects for SREDA membership.
Welcome new members: USNG – Kelly Ellis and City of Cambridge
Continued to get project updates, and different available programs (Rural USDA, Idaho Commerce, Dept. of Ag).
Upcoming…….
Continue meetings with City of Weiser, Fruitland and New Plymouth and new business prospects.
Meeting with Opportunity Zone person to learn more about OZ 2.0. Attending Networking and
Marketing events. (Chamber Lunches, FRCC events, dwtwn events)
Next meeting: July 1st, 2026 with special guest Terri Lindenberg from Treasure Valley Transit.
6. City and Community Reports:
1. Fruitland: Stu Grimes reported that Fruitland has issued 3 single-family dwelling permits last
month, for a total of 16 YTD and 5 accessory buildings YTD; 1 commercial permit last month and total 3 YTD and 28 mechanical permits YTD. Buhrley Endodontics’ development plans are under review. The track and football field at the high school football are being renovated. New
businesses: Local Laundry (tenant improvement), Hoopmans Automotive, PRO Roofing Idaho,
Peaceful Escape Massage, Precision Chiropractic. ITD’s project on Hwy 95 is ongoing. The county-wide 4th of July parade is on track; the Fruitland parade will start at 1 pm, with participants
staging north of City Hall and going down the normal parade route.
2. Payette: Kathy Patrick reported that City of Payette issued 22 building permits. The city has started the review for the annexation of 46 ac. to include townhouses, single-family homes and commercial property. County-wide burn ban will take effect June 16. Progress is still being made at Bancroft Park. A kids’ event is scheduled for June 13 for the free fishing day, and a Big 250 celebration is scheduled for July 4th. Barbara Wilson added that progress is being made on the History Commission. Idaho Heritage Trust has awarded funding to the museum in Cambridge.
3. Ontario: Dan Cummings reported that the city has successfully completed its budget hearings, and it’s set to be approved by Council on June 23. A grant has been submitted for a new helipad in front of the fueling station at the airport. Overall Ontario has received over $12M in FAA grants for airport improvements. Tatiana Burgess reported that the city issued 22 building permits in May, including 6 residential permits. Edge Performance addition is under way. Civil plans have been approved for Lifeways Complex off Sunset Dr. Plans in review for Malheur Housing Authority’s new housing project off Manor Way. A new annexation application was approved by the Planning Commission for 1.65 ac off SE 5th Ave, to be developed for an RV park.
4. Ontario Chamber: John Breidenbach reported that America’s Global Village will be on June 6 at
Lion’s Park. Ribbon cuttings: June 6th at Montoya Group at the Ontario Marketplace, June 11 at TVCC’s new Advanced Energy and Trades Center. The Chamber will sponsor a 4th of July
fireworks show at 10:20 pm. Ontario Airport will host a Learn to Fly event on June 13.
5. Weiser: Natasha McDaniel reported that the city has 6 open building permits in the Sundance
Pointe Subdivision. The city is working on developing requirements for a city business license. The Council has reviewed several home farms’ stands recently as conditional uses. The circus will have 2 showings on June 3. The annual fireworks fundraiser will be on June 6 at the golf course. The Fiddle Festival will be on the third week of June. On July 4, the city will host a Veterans Parade with a City BBQ.
6. Nyssa: John Breidenbach reported that Nyssa Chamber annual awards banquet and auction on May 30, 2026 was successful and had a great turnout.
7. No reports from Vale, or New Plymouth.
7. County Reports:
1. Payette County: Jeff Williams reported that he continues his efforts to synchronize the 250th Parade county-wide starting in Payette at 11 am, Fruitland at 1 pm and New Plymouth at 3 pm. Director Williams is working with ITD to find a solution for the New Plymouth parade, since its route will be along an ITD route. New Plymouth will host the Horseshoe Day on June 13.
2. No reports from Washington County & Malheur County.
8. Round Table:
1. Kristen suggested that all the event organizers should take flyers to the Visitor Center to share with community and travelers.
2. Cathy Yasuda reported that TVCC’s Spring Commencement will be on June 12 at 6:30pm. June 18 is the deadline to sign up for the Grad Gift program, that offers a free college class for high school graduates. Summer quarter will start on June 22. Advanced Energy and Trade Center ribbon cutting and open house will be on June 11 at 03:30 pm.
3. Tobin Dixon reported that SBA allows grocery supply chain businesses to apply the International Trade Loan program for domestic purposes, which offers a 90% guarantee up to $5M, which matches the Farm Services agencies. Applications are due in a week for the Patriot Pitch competition for America’s 250th celebration: businesses that have existed for at least 3 yrs and have at least $100K in revenue can pitch for a chance at a $1M. The selected top 5 will get to go to Washington DC and give their pitch to a national audience, and a lot of investors. Oregon Governor’s Partnership to Prosperity event will be on June 10 at the Four Rivers Cultural Center.
4. Jules Belyea reported that application for Idaho Gem Grant will close on June 15. Idaho Commerce is accepting nominations for Idaho Opportunity Zones 2.0 thru June 30. Deadline for applications for the Rural ED program is July 2.
5. Bob Komoto reported that on June 6 there will be an Eric Clapton tribute concert, and a Jeki-Yoo, a comedian quick-change artist presentation on June 27. June 18 – July 16 there will be a Passport to the World kids summer camp. On June 15 there will be a seminar on men’s health. On June 30 there will be the start of a health series on topics like diabetes, pain, hormones, exercise. The Kiwanis Club continues to hold the litter pick-up events on last Saturday of every month.
With no further business, Chairman Breidenbach adjourned the meeting at 7:46 am.
The next regular meeting is July 1st at FMTC
Reported by Tatiana Burgess, Board Secretary
June Minutes