Major investments by Micron Technology and Tractor Supply Company position Idaho as a national leader in economic development, according to Area Development
BOISE, ID (June 17, 2026) – Idaho has earned a Silver Shovel award from Area Development, a leading trade publication on business expansion and site selection, marking the state’s third honor from the magazine over the past five years.
“The Silver Shovel Award is a strong affirmation of Idaho’s economic strength, competitiveness, and commitment to growth,” said Idaho Commerce Director Tom Kealey. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our communities, economic development partners, and businesses working together to create opportunity, attract investment, and advance prosperity across Idaho.”
Area Development’s annual Shovel Awards program recognizes states for their achievements in attracting high-value investment projects which create a significant number of new, higher-paying jobs. Idaho’s recognition was based upon multiple high-impact projects including Micron Technology’s $35 billion expansion, along with significant investments by Chobani, Kai-Tech (Nelson Integrated), Marathon Cheese, JTS, Pipeline Plastics, Timberline Helicopters, and Tractor Supply Company.
Additionally, Area Development recognized Micron’s expansion as a manufacturing project of the year, and Tractor Supply Company’s $225 million investment in Nampa was named as a project of the year in the non-manufacturing category. Both projects will boost employment and capital investment; Micron plans to add 3,000 jobs at its Boise headquarters, with Tractor Supply Company’s investment bringing 500 new jobs to Nampa.
“Idaho’s 2026 Shovel is the story of a state landing the project of a generation while steadily building a more diversified industrial base around it,” states Area Development editor Andy Greiner in his feature article announcing the 2026 winners.
Area Development previously awarded Idaho a Golden Shovel in 2023 and a Silver Shovel in 2022. That same year, the publication also recognized Micron’s semiconductor fab expansion as a project of the year.
Using data submitted annually by economic development agencies, Area Development evaluates states based on job creation, capital investment, diversity of industry, and overall economic strategy, comparing them only to others in their population tier. A full report on the 2026 Shovel Award winners is available at areadevelopment.com.
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