Idaho Commerce launches Gem State Prospector with improved design and new featuresOctober 30, 2018

NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release

Idaho Commerce launches Gem State Prospector with improved design and new features

The revamped Gem State Prospector provides a simplified layout that presents decision-making data about available sites and buildings across the state of Idaho. The tool allows users to research and analyze demographics, consumer spending, talent pool, workforce, infrastructure, transportation, housing, business and industry information.

“The newly improved Gem State Prospector is the latest example of Idaho offering world-class tools to businesses, site selectors, investors and economic development professionals to make expanding or relocating businesses in Idaho as seamless, efficient and fast-moving as possible,” said Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. “Whether it’s our Rapid Response team made up of state agencies poised to assist when a business calls, or the new enhancements made to Gem State Prospector, in Idaho, we move at the speed of business.”

The functionality of Gem State Prospector is built with the end-user in mind. Its data is automatically updated, providing accurate information that cities and counties can use to enhance community marketing efforts. Users are encouraged to research their own location, map out specific business clusters, view engaging data infographics, compare multiple communities and easily generate their own customized thematic data maps for analysis, sharing or export. The microsite and all data tools are compatible with mobile, so anyone can take advantage of all features from any device.

“As we’ve integrated Gem State Prospector into our economic development processes, the system has evolved and improved over the years,” said Idaho Commerce Director Bobbi-Jo Meuleman. “These new enhancements are a significant step forward in making the tool more actionable and user-friendly. Whether a business, investor, site selector, or in-state partner, it’s ultimately our goal to provide the highest quality data and search tools to make choosing Idaho as easy as possible for all involved.”

While Gem State Prospector visitors will appreciate the useful infographics, business data tools, smart mapping and location analysis tools, the key to successful economic growth through Gem State Prospector is ensuring communities and site partners are diligent in uploading available sites and buildings. To aid with tool adoption among economic development professionals, community organizations, and commercial real estate partners, Idaho Commerce offers support and training upon request.

For more information on Gem State Prospector or to schedule a training, contact Andrea Zhan at Idaho Commerce at andrea.vlassis-zahn@commerce.idaho.gov.