Idaho Rural Partnership Moving to Idaho Department of Commerce

1/2/2013

Idaho Rural Partnership Moving to Idaho Department of Commerce

IRP to join Commerce Effective January 6, 2013  

Boise, Idaho—Monday, December 31, 2012— The Idaho Department of Commerce will be the new home to the Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP), with Commerce Director Jeffery Sayer named as the organization’s co-chair.  Commerce will administratively and physically house IRP, which has been under the umbrella of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture for the past six years.    

 “There is a unique nexus between the work of IRP and the mission of Idaho Commerce,” said Sayer.  “A more robust and collaborative partnership with IRP will enable our two agencies to further the goal of creating vibrant communities throughout rural Idaho that are economically sound, yet still retain the special characteristics that make them unique.”  

Joe Herring, IRP co-chair, added: “IRP’s focus on community and economic development makes the tie with Commerce very beneficial in serving rural communities.  We are extremely grateful to the Department of Agriculture for its support, and look forward to starting a new chapter in this organization’s rich history.”  

In 2013, IRP will celebrate 22 years of serving rural Idaho.  The mission of the IRP is to join diverse public and private resources in innovative collaborations to strengthen communities and improve life in rural Idaho.  The IRP Board is established by Idaho law and is made up of 36 individuals who work together to improve economic and social conditions in rural Idaho.  

In 2007, the Idaho Legislature passed the Idaho Rural Development Partnership Act, making IRP a small State agency that manages several important programs including community reviews.  Conducted annually in selected Idaho rural communities, community reviews seek to help communities bolster their action plans for executing and completing development strategies.  

In 2011, the Idaho Rural Partnership was selected to be the State Broadband Coordinator for the State Broadband Initiative known as LinkIDAHO.  In that role, the IRP brings together all entities in the state working to fill the gaps in broadband connectivity.   

For more information about the Idaho Rural Partnership, visit: http://irp.idaho.gov. 

News tag(s): Business Communities "Idaho Rural Partnership"