Monthly newsletter from
Region IV Development Association, Inc.

The Region IV Development office will be closed Monday, January 17, 2022 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

"Fight for the things you care about.

But do it in a way that will lead others to join you."

-Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates,

“Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.”

The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

Women from every background have long realized that an uneven playing field will never bring equality or justice. Many feel the critical need to speak up and work harder for fairness in our institutions and social interactions.

During 2024, we recognize the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity. They know that people change with the help of families, teachers and friends, and that young people in particular need to learn the value of hearing from different voices with different points of view as they grow up.

Today, equity, diversity and inclusion are powerful driving forces that are having a wide-ranging impact on our country. As members of families, civic and community groups, businesses and legislative bodies, women are in the forefront of reevaluating the status quo. They are looking anew at what harmful social policies and behaviors exist and, often subtly, determine our future. In response, women in communities across the nation are helping to develop innovative programs and projects within corporations, the military, federal agencies and educational organizations to address these injustices.

It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like equity, diversity and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit or discredit them. Throughout 2024, we honor local women from the past and present who have taken the lead to show the importance of change and to establish firmer safeguards, practices and legislation reflecting these values. Following decades of discrimination, we are proud to celebrate women who work for basic inclusion, equality and fairness.

Who are the women in your community or organization that you will honor?

For more information visit:

National Women's History Alliance

In February 2023,

RIVDA collaborated with the Idaho Department of Commerce to prepare an application to participate in an EDA-funded Policy Academy focusing on “Aligning State and Regional Economic Development Strategies and Actions.”

Idaho was one of six states in the nation, and the only state in the Seattle Region, to be selected to participate in this opportunity directed by the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC).

The project team named the initiative 44Go! (to represent the 44 counties in the State) and established a vision of “To formalize and institutionalize collaborative regional and state planning processes to create an inclusive economic development community within the state”. The project highlighted the importance of collaboration and alignment between the State and Economic Development organizations in order to leverage the greatest number of resources for the residents of Idaho.

If you have any questions about 44Go! contact

Dr. Michele McFarlane

Community and Economic Development Manger

Region IV Development Loan Programs

Looking for financing for your business? Give us a call to see if we can assist your business with one of our loan programs.

Contact a loan officer today-

Rob Atkins, Loan Programs Manager

(208) 732-5727 ext. 3002

Amy Brinkman, Loan Officer

(208) 732-5727 ext. 3006
Tommy Jorgensen, Business Development Officer
(208) 403-2403 - Treasure Valley

February SBA 504 Interest Rates

25 Year - 6.28%

20 Year - 6.36%

10 Year - 6.60%

For more than four decades, Region IV Development Association has been providing hands-on technical assistance to communities throughout southern Idaho – from helping with basic infrastructure development (sewer, water, fire protection, community centers and senior centers) to assisting with community building (training, visioning, and comprehensive planning).

Our team can assist with town meetings, preparing funding applications, and project administration.

Are you a community leader with a wish list full of infrastructure improvements to your city or county?

Call us today!

Our Team:

Dr. Michele McFarlane - Community and Economic Development Manager

(208) 732-5727 x3005, mamcfarlane@csi.edu

Adeanna Jenkins - Community Development Planner

(208) 732-5727 x3008, adeannajenkins@csi.edu

Brandy Lowe - Admin and Project Assistance

(208) 732-5727 x3001, belowe@csi.edu

Teaming up with the Idaho Department of Commerce CDBG program and

Region IV Development, the City of Hansen's Rolling Hills Park has been updated with new playground structures, outdoor exercise equipment, ADA accessibility, and ADA parking!

Rolling Hills Park proves the power of collaboration between

economic development districts and local communities...together we can turn goals into tangible reality across our beautiful state.

From Our Partners