Bonner County Economic Development Corporation Karl Dye Legislative Interim Committee Meeting September 13, 2013

Bonner County At a Glance 41,000 Full Time Residents 8.5% Current Unemployment Rate o 7.5% Unemployment for 5 Northern Counties o 6.2% Unemployment Statewide o Still transitioning from Natural Resource Based Economy o Not recovered lost construction jobs

Economic Development Strategy Based on Strength Relocations Don't Work for Most of Idaho o Companies looking for a deal o Bonner County is not a deal Business Success Model o Owner Chooses to Live Here o Accepts Challenge

Barriers To Doing Business Infrastructure o Broadband o Facilities Employees o Education

Broadband Every city, county and state wants to build the “tech-sector” Broadband Availability Needs to Meet or Exceed Price and Capacity Offerings in Large Markets

Broadband Comparison CityPopulationSpeedCost Sandpoint*7,35410Mb$1,300/Mo Lowell, MI3,81910Mb$1,100/Mo Hurricane, UT 13,00010Mb$600/Mo Newport, WA 2,116100Mb$75/Mo *Sandpoint was just awarded the Google eCITY for the entire state of Idaho!

Fiber To The Home (FTTH) Network o Local Company Discussion 2008 o Stimulus Application 2009 o Public Private Partnership 2010  Business  Education  Health Care  Public Safety

Public Private Partnership Panhandle Area Council Local Cities Anchor Service Provider Bond Payment Guarantee Construction Yearly Lease Private Placement Taxable Bond $$ COMPETITION

Conclusion Doing Business in Idaho is a Choice Lack of Broadband Availability Prevents: o Creation o Expansion o Attraction Help Business Leaders Continue to Make That Choice Need More Competion for Broadband Services