Business and Industry Challenges

Small business and industry seek efficiency in every aspect of operations. Success depends on reliable supply chains; a stable, skilled workforce; local infrastructure; and above all a productive relationship with community leaders and residents. In addition, commerce and productivity are enhanced when rules and regulations are consistent and reasonable.

Conflict and regulation can be significant barriers to efficiency. Legislation, litigation or collaboration are the options to overcome such obstructions. Litigation is costly and time-consuming by design. Legislative action is not designed for quick delivery. Both have unpredictable outcomes.

That leaves collaboration. Partners have direct input into the process of supporting rural Idaho by working with the diverse membership of Idaho Rural Partnership.

Our Advantage

The Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP) is all about collaboration. Our diverse Board of Directors represents the public, private and non-profit sectors. With federal and state agency representatives, legislators, and policy experts in multiple areas, our Board offers a one-stop shop for brainstorming and problem solving. Our Community Review network and extensive data resources provide unmatched insight into Idaho’s rural markets and emerging trends.

The IRP Board meets quarterly, and we invite presentations from agencies, organizations and businesses with a stake in rural Idaho willing to share their stories. This helps us all understand the challenges and opportunities in Idaho’s rural communities, as well as forging new partnerships and networks with the common goal of building a stronger Idaho economy and more resilient communities, neighborhoods and households.

IRP is expanding our network and influence beyond Idaho’s borders with the Western Community Assessment Network, or WeCAN. We’ve joined with partners in Montana and Wyoming to share our perspectives of rural challenges, resources and opportunities. This adds to our knowledge of what makes local economies and communities stronger and how best to support civic engagement and productive conversations. For these reasons, WeCAN is attracting national attention. Visit the Assessment Map at http://www.communityreview.org to learn more and see where we work.

Your support will help expand this regional work and impact.

Our Invitation

Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP) is seeking to expand and diversify our base of business and corporate sponsors. While we enjoy considerable in-kind contributions from our statewide volunteers, our work in Rural Idaho relies on consistent funding to support our flagship Community Review activities, volunteer recruitment and coordination.

We need investment—and insight—from the private sector to support our essential work: promoting prosperity, building local capacity, and creating productive relationships.

Our Mission

The Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP) joins diverse public and private resources in innovative collaborations to strengthen communities and improve life in rural Idaho.

We are equipped with unique abilities and responsibilities under 7 U.S.C. 2008m:

• Facilitate collaboration
• Monitor, report and comment on policies and programs
• Reduce or eliminate conflicting or duplicative administrative or regulatory requirements

Our Solution

Join a diverse, strong group of business leaders with a significant voice for rural Idaho.

Our current private supporters include public utility providers, financial institutions, nonprofits, agriculture commodity groups and rural-focused business seeking to grow markets. These supporters know their investment helps stimulate strong markets for rural businesses and reduce regulatory and administrative impediments. Participating as a sponsor is an opportunity to forge relationships with the IRP Board of Directors, tapping into the state and national rural development process.

The nature of partnership means those participating invest in the process. Contributions can be made in one of three ways:

• Designated funds to support a specific community review
• Support of specific program areas, such as IRP’s participation in the Governor’s Capitol for a Day, our e-bulletin The Idaho Ruralist, or annual events that bring diverse state and regional partners and sponsors together.
• Unrestricted funds to invest where most effective to sustain IRP’s statewide work, program stability and expanded follow-up in communities to ensure long-term success and program accountability.

While we need and appreciate support in any form and at any level, our hope is to secure annual sponsorship from multiple partners to build a broad and stable foundation for our ongoing work. An annual investment—at any level—represents your organization’s belief in the partnership approach.

As a contributing sponsor, you’ll be among the first to receive timely information from IRP about emerging trends and opportunities in rural Idaho.

Our prediction

Collaborative partnerships may well be the form of governance for the 21st century. Through IRP, you can use consensus-building as a way to find solutions. Sponsorship helps you address challenges using the most cost-effective means to reach long-term success: partnership and collaboration.

Please send sponsorship checks to:
Idaho Rural Partnership, c/o Region IV Development Assoc.
PO Box 5079
Twin Falls, ID 83303-5079

Please contact Idaho Rural Partnership directly at (208) 332-1730 if making payment by credit card is preferred. All contributions are tax-deductible / EIN 82-0311062

Thank you!

Join us today to shape a stronger Idaho tomorrow:

Call (208) 332-1730

Who's on the Idaho Rural Partnership Board of Directors?
Click here

Want to see our printed piece on sponsorship opportunities?