Spotlight on Arco & Mackay
Arco and Mackay are two distinct towns in South Central Idaho, separated by 25 miles, but they are linked in many ways: They are each other’s nearest neighbors as well as high school rivals, both part of the Lost River Valleys, and they also share a joint labor pool.
In this area, where the cities’ populations total about 1,500 people, residents are quick to know their neighbors. That is one of the distinct charms of rural Idaho, where distance is measured not in miles but by how many towns away you live from the next one.
There is also a loyal work force here, as people have a strong affinity for living in this region – typically moving here first and then looking for employment. Often, residents simply bring their work with them, opening or buying a local business to support their lifestyle.
That, in part, is why one of Idaho’s fastest growing high-tech businesses chose to locate a future facility in Mackay. Premier Technology, a manufacturing and industrial contractor to the food, pharmaceutical and nuclear industries, plans to build a facility in a new 14-acre technology park this year (2009) to take advantage of this loyal workforce.
Arco, the nation’s first city lit with atomic energy and near the Idaho National Laboratory, has a significant population of highly educated residents. These residents locate here because they can enjoy the lifestyle the area offers and still work at the nation’s top laboratory for nuclear research.
“We haven’t had the downturn in the economy here that others have had,” said Michelle Holt, executive director for Lost Rivers Economic Development, which covers both Arco and Mackay. “Because there are so many government employees, there is a stability of employment here.”
Holt adds that other area assets include inexpensive land, an FAA emergency airport (making it capable of handling large aircraft) and a highly educated workforce.
Listen to Holt talk about the Region.
Outdoors recreation is a strong draw, with the area located along the Big Lost River, (the famous “River of No Return”) fishing, camping, hunting and photography are popular activities. Mountain climbers flock to the area, with some of the northwest’s tallest peaks in the two counties where Arco and Mackay reside. Borah Peak, (commonly called Mount Borah) the tallest peak in Idaho at 12,668 feet, towers over Mackay and provides stunning views for miles. The mountains not only draw climbers, hikers and photographers, they also beckon to hang gliders and sail plane enthusiasts from around the world. The area has been designated an official “sky trail” and hosted the International Hang Gliding Championships in July 2009.
Business District
These are downtowns where everybody knows your name. That’s what drew former San Diego residents Neil and Sheri Partyka to Arco. The Partykas looked around the country for a place where they could locate a KOA campground. Once they visited Arco, they looked no further.
“The city life just wasn’t cutting it for us anymore,” said Neil.
Listen to Neil Partyka talk about why they chose to locate their business in Arco.
That’s the same reason John Danz returned to Arco and bought the restaurant he had 
worked at as a teenager. The bright green Pickles Place Café is one of those places where locals gather to start their morning over a cup of coffee and to catch up on local happenings.
“I like the small town life and community atmosphere,” said Danz, who also sells his own blend of spices.
Listen to Danz talk about doing business in Arco.
Randy Ivies left Mackay to go to college but returned to run the family grocery business in Mackay, the third generation to operate the store. His son will likely take over the store in the future, he said.
“I’d like to build a bigger store and carry more items, but that may need to be something my son does,” said Ivies.
The story of people finding this the perfect place to live – and creating their employment later – is repeated over and over. Anna and Ron Oxley had traveled the world, visiting Mackay along the way, before deciding to settle there. They bought a downtown Mackay building and started the Spice of Life Café, selling homemade doughnuts and gourmet sandwiches as well as their own mixes for scones and pancakes. A builder by trade, Ron built his own custom kitchen for the Café, and spends his spare hours experimenting with new cookie recipes for his customers.
Tom and Pat Gucker had a cabin in the area and knew they wanted to make it their permanent home. When a metal fabrication and repair shop came up for sale, they bought it and established Metal Specialties in Arco.
Listen to Pat Gooke.
Economic Development Director Michelle Holt sees potential for business success, particularly since Arco sits at the crossroads of two main highways, bringing more than a million travelers a year through the town.
“We put a lot of effort to get those people to stop here instead of driving through,” she said.