Bannock Development Looks For New Director
After bringing in companies worth hundreds of jobs, Bannock Development’s director is headed to work statewide.
Gynni Gilliam was integral in getting Hoku, Allstate and other businesses in the area. Now she has started working as Idaho’s Chief Economic Development Officer.
Darlene Gerry is the interim director to fill the vacancy. She said the work Bannock Development Corporation does has had a huge impact on the local economy.
“It’s all about bringing business, jobs, money, and revenue to our community. It’s about selling our great community to business as to why they want to relocate here,? Gerry said.
And those business have meant jobs for locals.
“Those are jobs for our community. People who maybe weren’t working before and now are working. and that helps each and every one of us,? Gerry said.
Bannock Development is in a nationwide search to find a new executive director, and those behind the search said they’re hopeful the future for the region’s economy is bright.
“We think we’ve got a lot of the foundation in place and with the right leadership we can continue the momentum and maybe even take it to the next level,? Bannock Development Corporation Chairman Tim Forhan said.
Losing the old director might not be such a big loss for the community.
Some said having someone who knows the local economy working at the state level, can’t hurt.
“She knows about our workforce about our area and about our community. So when she’s looking at opportunities that come in at the state level, she knows us well, so hopefully, we’ll be at the forefront of her mind,? Gerry said.
Gerry also works in the Idaho State University legal office. She said she’s just filling in as Executive Director for the interim and is not a candidate for the position.
