Business columns & opinions from Boise, ID

Business Columnists

Airwaves, homespun charm help far-flung Valley businesses compete

Wade Hilliard, right, who launched Parma Furniture in 1961, with son Bo.

Persistent advertising and a small-town feel help two Idaho companies compete with urban counterparts.

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Archive by category ''Business Columnists

IDAHO ECONOMY

From the Editor by David Staats: A light in the darkness of health costs

Most of us understand little about what our health care actually costs and what it should cost. The federal government's release May 8 of the costs of 100 classes of medical procedures at U.S. hospitals was a flashlight in the cave.
BUSINESS INSIDER FEATURES

Proposed Idaho gold mine's diversion plan faulted

The Idaho Conservation League opposes a plan by Midas Gold Corp. to build a 500-foot-tall dam and divert water from the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River if gold mining ever starts east of McCall.
IDAHO ECONOMY

Aging-in-place trend boosts Treasure Valley home-care firms

The Valley's market for health and personal assistance is only going to get busier.
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Small Business by C. Norman Beckert: Consistency and dedication help win new contracts

I recently met with a client who had established a technical consulting business a year ago. The client had gotten some work, but he was frustrated with his inability to land new contracts. He wanted advice on approaches that could lead to new work.
PETER CRABB

The Economy by Peter R. Crabb: U.S. sugar-support program will cost consumers dearly

Summer is near, and soon we will all be thirsting for cold drinks to beat the heat. If you want to add a little more sugar to your iced tea, lemonade or other summer favorite, call the government: It looks as if there will be plenty of sugar to pass around.
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Better Business by Robb Hicken: Shrewd use of social media can enhance company's brand

Ah ... the weekend. Time to relax, mow the lawn or do something crazy. That's where the warning comes from Rod Puzey, chief operating officer for Zenware, a business technology company in Boise.
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Farming and Ranching by Chas Bonner: Healthier eating is good for agriculture as well as people

We are beginning to see a welcome shift in eating habits, and although it's slow, it definitely helps the farming community. Not only is this heralded in the trade press, but there are numerous articles in the popular press extolling healthy eating. From almost every aspect, human beings do much...
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

University of Idaho on Business by Eric Stuen: Scientists, engineers merit green card consideration

Part of the ongoing national debate regarding immigration reform is the question of whether to relax limits on immigration of skilled scientists and engineers. Western Europe, too, is wrestling with this question.
IDAHO ECONOMY

Boise State on Business by Mathew Kaiserman: Health care industry needs to rethink current market model

Economists will tell you markets work, but … . The "but" is a number of basic assumptions, including good price signals from buyers to sellers.
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Valley View by David C. Pate: How to fix health care in three (really difficult) steps

I often am asked how health care can be reformed.