Areva sees near-term lull in uranium demand

While Idaho Falls is waits for news about Areva and its plans to build a $3 billion enrichment plant west of town, this link from Bloomberg Business Week offers a sobering assessment of uranium demand in the wake of Fukishima.

Areva's shares have dropped 58 percent since the worst nuclear accident in 25 years. Japan has idled all but one of its 54 reactors, and Germany has reversed a decision to extend the lifespan of its atomic facilities.

Nevertheless, the company's chief commerical officer, Ruben Lazo, is optimistic in the long term. “In two years, there will be very strong demand on the market, as new reactors start operating, and as new contracts with the existing fleet kick in,” he said in a March 26 interview at the company’s headquarters in Paris. “I’m sure that Japan will restart a few reactors this year, and complete all necessary measures to restart many others in 2013 and 2014.”

The French company is betting that an 80 percent jump in global energy demand by 2030, combined with rising fuel prices and the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions, will lead to a 2.2 percent annual increase in the installed base of nuclear plants in the next two decades.

For the full story, follow this link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-04/areva-predicts-uranium-demand-freeze-until-2014-after-fukushima.html

Digital media expert to speak to Ad Federation April 19

With the social media workshop at the Shilo Inn and the guest speaker at the Idaho Falls Advertising Federation Luncheon, April 19 is shaping up to be a very digital day.

Here's the IFAF's flyer for Wendy Barnes of Pioneer Newspapers and OnPurpose Media. Rather than me rewriting the copy, open it up and look at it for yourself.

Young Professionals mixer set for April 12

Artist's rendering of one of the homes at Legacy Creek at Snake River Landing.

The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals Network will be holding its next social mixer at 5:30 p.m. Thursday April 12 at the model home at Legacy Creek in Snake River Landing.

The event is free, with food, drink, and drawings for prizes, including Jazz tickets and an overnight stay at the Marriot in Salt Lake City. For every guest you bring, your chances at winning will increase.

The group was started in 2008 as a way for future business leaders to network with each other, socially and professionally. YPN is an official committee of the chamber and has a board of directors made up of eight people. Its mixers are free and open to anyone in the 21-to-40 age range. They often feature guest speakers. For more information, visit the YPN Web site, http://www.idahofallsypn.com/

Legacy Creek is a maintenance-free master-planned community. The model home is located at the corner of Snake River Parkway and Whitewater Drive, near Stockman's Restaurant (which is catering the event).

EITC plans career fair for April 23

If you're an employer looking to hire, Eastern Idaho Technical College thinks it might have what you need. EITC is hosting a career fair on April 23 from noon to 4 p.m. for EITC students and almuni.

Graduates with the following skills will be on hand with their resumes:

Marketing & Management
Accounting
Office Professionals
Web Development
Computer Networking
Legal Paraprofessional
Automotive                       
Diesel
Welding
C.N.A.
Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Surgical Technologist
Medical Assistant
Dental Assistant
Radiation Safety
Professional Truck Drivers

Booths are free and include a complimentary lunch. Register here http://www.eitc.edu/career_placement.cfm, or call Annalea Avery at 524-3000 ext. 3337, or email her at annalea.avery@my.eitc.edu.

Best Buy Mobile store opening in Grand Teton Mall

While we wait for news concerning the Idaho Falls Best Buy store, Best Buy Mobile will be having its grand opening in the Grand Teton Mall April 11-15.

The Mobile store is located between Sears and JC Penney. In observation of its opening, it will be offering $50 off smart phones with any two-year activation. This applies to Verizon, Sprint and AT&T customers. It does not apply to iPhones.

Last Thursday, Best Buy announced it was revamping its business by closing 50 big box stores, cutting 400 jobs and trimming $800 million in costs. The company, which has about 1,400 U.S. locations, says it also plans to open 100 smaller, more profitable Best Buy Mobile stores across the country.

Going by the map at the Best Buy Mobile Web site, http://origin-m.bestbuy.com/bbyMobileStoreLocator/index.php, the Grand Teton Mall store will be one of the first stores of its kind to open in Idaho.