March 2026 Minutes

SREDA Board Meeting
March 4, 2026 – 7:00 am
FMTC, Fruitland, ID
Directors, Members & Guests present: John Breidenbach, Ontario Chamber of Commerce;
Tatiana Burgess, City of Ontario; Erika Christensen, Fruitland Chamber of Commerce; Ken
Bishop, Payette County and the Biz Zone; Paul Radloff, PAR Repair; Brittany Fenstemacher, PAR Repair; Taylor Dunn, Idaho Power; Ron Rembelski, Farmers Mutual
Telephone Company; David Armstrong, Rogue Credit Union; Gordon Wilkerson, Washington County; Kathy Patrick, City of Payette; Mike Smith, Agile Homes; Jeff Williams, CBCP; Kristen Nieskens and Jeff Carpenter, SREDA.
Zoom: Stuart Grimes, City of Fruitland; Cathy Yasuda, TVCC; Jules Belyea, Idaho Commerce; Tobin Dixon, SBA; Tom Vialpando, SBDC at TVCC; Kyle McCauley, Cascade Natural Gas; Marie Baker, Idaho SBDC; Bob Komoto, Kiwanis Club and Four Rivers Cultural Center.
Chairman John Breidenbach called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the Wednesday morning meeting at FMTC.
Introduction of Attendees: Chairman Breidenbach asked everyone present to introduce
themselves and the business or entity they were representing.
Approval of February 2026 Board Minutes: Chairman Breidenbach asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Director Williams made a motion to approve the minutes as
presented, and it was seconded by Director Armstrong. Motion passed.
The Financial Report was presented for the end of February 2026 by Jeff Carpenter. Jeff
reported that the financial report has been updated with a new detailed look and information. Director Rembelski inquired about the new revenue added line: “Events – Sponsorship/Tix Sale” for $10,000. Jeff explained that it would be the anticipated
revenue from table sponsorships from special events, like the annual breakfast or the annual meeting. Director Williams made a motion to approve the budget, contingent on the Treasurer’s review, and it was seconded by Director Bishop. Director Burgess
inquired about why the proposed total expenses exceeded the proposed total revenues, and why there was a discrepancy from the total presented on the budget snapshot. Jeff explained that he is continuing to work with the Treasurer on accounting for the CD revenue and the corresponding expenses related to this year’s payroll expenses. Director Williams re-stated his motion, that the budget should be approved contingent on
Treasurer’s detailed review; motion seconded by Director Bishop. Motioned passed.
Staff Report: Jeff reported that he made contact with representatives of current projects (details below). Jeff continues to work on the upcoming annual Western Valley
Economic Breakfast, set to be held on April 10, 2026: has several speakers committed and continues to look for table sponsors.
SREDA Staff Report
March 2026
2026 PROJECTS
Project Annette – (Payette Co.) Entrepreneur working on a new product. Referred from SBDC Ontario. Referral to Idaho Commerce.
Project Knock, Knock – (Payette/Washington Counties) Manufacturing company looking to expand. Sent her information about Idaho Commerce programs. I’ll help where needed.
Project Back to Life – New Plymouth – Sent contact to Idaho SBDC for biz plan consulting.
Project contact looking for match money. Trying to help with smaller grant options.
Project Corn Huskers – (Fruitland) contact talking with area property owners along railroad for possible partnerships and rail usage.
Project Ties – Idaho Northern RR. Seeing opportunities on the in Emmett, Payette & Fruitland. (Payette Co.) Looking at other alternatives like spurs off the main line.
Project Coke – Entrepreneur (Washington Co.) – sent contact to Idaho SBDC for biz plan consulting. No update.
Project Save – Ontario – Save Manufacturing: Emergency response equipment. $40M, 125
jobs (welders, fabricators). Save HQ: Headquarters $17.2M, 5-50 jobs. (Malheur) Project in
ongoing and location has not been locked down yet.
Project Hen House – Community Development project. (Midvale). I attended their meeting
through Zoom and got an update on the progress of the project and their needs. I checked in
with contact person and sent CDBG information. Didn’t make the deadline w/public hearing.
Working w/IC for other options.
Project Kale – Housing project (Weiser) Project is on hold for now.
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.
Project Repair – Working with Washington Co. on Senior Center projects. USDA/Commerce. (Washington Co.) Cambridge Senior Center and Weiser Senior Center could not be sponsored by one county. It had to split and have the cities be the sponsors.
Weiser decided to wait and Cambridge is continuing with grant writer to complete grant by
March. Public hearing is tonight and I plan on attending.
Project Par – (Fruitland/Payette Co.) Diesel repair shop. Fruitland business is expanding to a
larger location. Purchased land off exit 3 for expansion. I will be meeting with Brittney 02/23. They have moved the project to exit 17 at Sand Hollow. I met with Brittany and they are moving forward with the exit 17 project. They are building on the old Fulcher property.
****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: Kristen with the update.
Meeting/contacts this month:
Attended Ontario Chamber of Commerce lunch
Attended Fruitland City Council
Attended Fruitland Chamber lunch
Met with AGAR/PAR about their project in Sand Hollow
Attended Malheur County Commissioners meeting
Visited the EOBB meeting
Met with Biz Oregon and talked about programs and SREDA’s involvement
Spent the day at Idaho Commerce talking with program directors
Attended a webinar with Eastern Oregon Tourism Leaders
Attended a webinar with Nat’l League of Cities on rural leaders creating Economic Opportunities
Met with web guru David Armstrong on our website updates
Met with Cascade Natural Gas about WTVEB and membership
Attended Idaho Commerce Rural Ed Pro chat w/Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health
Attended 2 Census Bureau webinars
Zoomed the IEDA legislative update on bills and issues in the capital
Met with WaFed manager about new small business programs
Attended EOBB monthly meeting
Provided Conference room for Community in Action for financial education classes.
Continued to get familiar with projects and different available programs. Continued to contact
members, possible members and speakers about WTVEB and SREDA membership.
Upcoming…….
Guest speaker Nyssa Chamber March 4th, noon.
Confirm WTVEB speakers and continue event planning.
Continue meeting with area cities, counties, and businesses.
Next meeting: April 1st, 2026
City and Community Reports:
1. Fruitland: Stuart Grimes reported that in February, the city issued 9 residential permits, and 1 commercial permit. The city is reviewing plans for a commercial and multifamily subdivision off Gayway Junction. City is also reviewing phase 1 and 2 of an 8
phase residential subdivision at Orchard Heights. The Church of Christ is working on a
commercial permit to rebuild after a structural fire. New businesses: AutoZone at Gayway Junction, Elite Artistry Salon on N Whitley Dr and Davina’s Touch Salon on
S Iowa Ave. ITD’s Hwy 95 repaving project is set to start in the next few weeks, anticipating traffic delays. Apple Jam festival is coming up on April 11. America 250 celebration will be on April 18. An Ambulance District override levy will be on the
May 2026 elections ballot.
Erika Christensen added that the Apple Jam festival’s new venue is Stateline Auto Ranch; she also reported that Spring Fair is set for May 9.
2. Payette: Kathy Patrick reported that in February, the city issued 8 building permits and 4 business licenses. Commercial property along Hwy 95, across from the high school has been sold and will be developed in the next few years. Bancroft Park project – all
the underground work has been completed; structures set to be added soon. This year’s Apple Blossom festival car show will be at the CTE center, on May 16. The festival will be held May 13-17, 2026.
3. Ontario: Tatiana Burgess reported that the city issued 15 building permits in February.
A mechanical permit was issued for The Outpost – the new food court off SE 5th Ave, nearing completion. The HVAC permit was issued to the Rec. District for the pool, being converted to an outdoor pool. The city is working with Lifeways on civil plan review for a new residential care complex off Sunset Dr. Several community groups are working on a master plan, to develop a pavilion with a stage at Moore Park, as phase 1, and other improvements in the latter phases.
4. Ontario Chamber: John Breidenbach reported that America’s Global Village will be on
June 6, which will coincide with America 250 celebrations. The Burns Paiute Tribe confirmed that they will represent the Native American Village.
5. Vale: Tom Vialpando reported that Vale anticipates having a housing issue coming up,
when the Calico gold mine operation starts. In preparation, Vale is looking at investing in infrastructure improvements on the east side of town. John  Breidenbach added that Vale Chamber will host a nighttime sale soon.
6. Nyssa: John Breidenbach reported that Nyssa Chamber will hold their annual awards banquet on May 30, 2026.
7. No reports from Weiser, or New Plymouth.

County Reports:
1. Payette County: Commissioner Bishop reported that the county issued just a few building permits in the past month. The county has been working with the Ambulance
District to relocate to a new site, and the county will have a May 2026 ballot measure to increase the levy to support the District. The county has been working with a company exploring hydrogen extraction opportunities. The county is also working with
the cities to develop land use regulations for areas that were previously part of the impact areas, and are now in the county, following last year’s legislation updates. The 208-Cleanup group is planning a trash pickup activity in the county for April 11, with
the goal of collecting 50,000 lbs of trash. Jeff Williams added that there’s been a few changes to the plans regarding the America 250 parade in July, dividing the previously planned 15-mile parade into 3 smaller local parades within cities.
2. Washington County: Commissioner Wilkerson reported that the county received 5
building applications. The county is working on the final development agreement for
the fueling station in Midvale. The county is also working through 2 proposals for industrial developments, with more information to come. The county is also trying to pass a levy for Weiser Ambulance District. Commissioner Wilkerson also concurred with Commissioner Bishop that creating a special development code for the lands
previously in the impact areas, is very important and will have a great impact on all future development and will be challenging and has to be very carefully thought of.
3. No report from Malheur County.
Round Table:
1. Paul Radloff reported that PAR Repair’s new project is moving along, hoping to break ground in the next month and a half or so. PAR Repair specializes in ag-transportation and large truck service and repair. Mr. Radloff shared and discussed a detailed plot layout. They anticipate having 20-22 employees, operating 7 days a week.
2. Taylor Dunn reported that Idaho Power has entered a purchase agreement with OTEC to take over the Oregon service territory. The proposal is still contingent on regulatory approval and would not likely go into effect for at least 1 year. OTEC is expected to
add an office to the Ontario area. Ms. Dunn also added that there have been around 70 towers installed for the B2H project – the new 500 KV transmission line, to import green energy from the Pacific NW.
3. Cathy Yasuda reported that the Associated Student Government will hold an event on Wednesday for Women’s Appreciation Month, featuring an all-women panel.
Foundation Scholarship application deadline is on March 15th; 200 applications received to date. Spring quarter starts on March 30th.
4. Tobin Dixon reported that March is Agriculture Month, reminding everyone that SBA
loans can be used to ag equipment. Small Business Week is coming up on May 6th.
5. Bob Komoto reported that Bordertown Comic Con is on March 14th and 15th. On
March 21st, FRCC and Community Concerts will co-sponsor the Take3 Trio concert. On March 28th, Kiwanis Club will hold a plogging event, as a community cleanup day. Mr. Komoto also reported that Ontario will host 5 youth delegates from Osakasayama.
6. Marie Baker reported that Idaho SBDC has seen an increase in consulting requests in our area, and plans on extending their presence. On March 18 is the National SBDC Day, which coincides with Idaho SBDC 40th anniversary.
7. Tom Vialpando reported that they plan on bringing back quarterly Lunch & Learn events. They also plan on starting Client Spotlights, to follow up with, and provide an update and spotlight on the SBDC clients.
With no further business, Chairman Breidenbach adjourned the meeting at 8:01 am.
The next regular meeting is April 1st at FMTC.
Reported by Tatiana Burgess, Board Secretary.