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REDI ANNOUNCES DEDICATED FOCUS ON EASTERN IDAHO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH SECTORS

CONTACT:   Jan Rogers                                                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 208-320-2136   IDAHO FALLS, ID – July 17. 2017 -- Due the significant growth in Eastern Idaho’s science, technology and research (STAR) sector, Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI) announced today that there will be a greater focus for this vital industry cluster, including the hiring of a Science Technology and Research (STAR) Director. The STAR Director will report to REDI’s CEO Jan Rogers and serve as the primary spokesperson for topics and actions tied to STAR industry representatives. Eastern Idaho is anchored with the largest concentration of higher education opportunities in Idaho, a Department of Energy national laboratory, three additional major science and research labs, and advanced manufacturing.  REDI’s goal is to maintain, grow and advocate this core sector for families, communities and businesses in the region.  Hiring a STAR Director is vital to moving this industry cluster forward and keeping a focus on STAR opportunities in the region. “This important new position for Eastern Idaho will be solely dedicated to overseeing the unprecedented interest in our science, technology and research sector, currently on track to reach nearly $4.5 billion in capital investment,” said REDI’s Jan Rogers.  “Thanks to the support of the Idaho National Laboratory, Fluor Idaho and numerous industry partners, we will have a highly skilled person in place to manage and expand our region’s core sectors,” she said. “We all know that Idaho has a long history of innovation, but Eastern Idaho has truly made significant strides in furthering growth and harnessing new ideas to change the industry landscape in our state,” said Megan Ronk, Director of Idaho Commerce. “That is why we are so excited for an even deeper focus on the science, technology and research fields in the Idaho workforce,” she said. According to INL Director Mark Peters, "A leader that brings together Eastern Idaho’s existing talent and assets uniquely available in our region is critical to INL's future success. Whether it is building our first-of-kind small modular reactor, expanding our work in cyber security, or strengthening our supplier and subcontract environment, the timing is right to find a STAR Director to advocate and champion our region both regionally and nationally," he said. Fluor Idaho’s President and Program Director Fred Hughes stated, “We commend REDI on this focused approach for Eastern Idaho’s large science, technology and research sector.  We look forward to working with the new Director to further opportunities in our area.” Steve Laflin, President and CEO of International Isotopes also appreciates REDI’s new focus for this regional cluster.  "I am very enthusiastic about the creation of a Science, Technology, and Research Director position within REDI,” Laflin said.  “The region has a rapidly growing set of opportunities not only at INL but with surrounding businesses in the area.  Full time focus on our science and research industry sector will help us better capitalize on the synergy of nuclear technology with medical isotope production and generic Radiopharmaceutical drug manufacturing." Applicants are invited to visit www.easternidaho.org to review the STAR Director job qualifications and to apply on line.  Click on the About Us tab, then Career Opportunities.  Applications will be accepted until August 6, 2017.

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