Jan Rogers appointed to federal advisory council

BOISE — Jan Rogers, CEO of Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI), has been appointed to the United States Investment Advisory Council (IAC) established by the Commerce Department in April 2016. As one of 19 private and public sector leaders from across the nation, Rogers will advise U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on the development and implementation of strategies and programs to attract and retain foreign direct investment in the United States. Rogers will maintain her position with REDI along with the new federal appointment.

“I am honored to have been appointed to the IAC and look forward to providing counsel on issues that affect foreign investment into the United States, particularly in rural communities,” said Rogers, who will serve a two­year term. “I’m excited to help set the priorities for this newly established council and work among many of the top public and private sector economic development and business leaders in the nation.” Rogers has spent the last 15 years developing economies throughout Idaho including attracting 35 businesses, more than $1 billion in capital investments and 5,000 jobs. Prior to her current role at REDI, she served as the executive director of the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO) for 14 years and has led efforts to attract a record­setting seven projects in one year to Southern Idaho, including Chobani’s second U.S. manufacturing facility in Twin Falls. Rogers has also served as the president of the Idaho Economic Development Association and is currently on the board of directors of the International Economic Development Council. “We are thrilled to have Jan representing Idaho and the United States as a business leader in economic development and foreign investment,” Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter said of the appointment. “Her success in southern and eastern Idaho communities demonstrates her expertise in rural economic development the value of her advocacy for rural investment. She will bring a passion for her craft and a wealth of experience and knowledge to the U.S. Investment Advisory Council.” The IAC’s inaugural meeting will be held June 21, to coincide with the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit, a three­day event in Washington, D.C., that promotes FDI in the United States. The Summit will attract more than 2,000 participants from economic development organizations as well as U.S. and foreign firms, service providers, domestic and international media and senior Obama administration and government officials