RSVPs for chamber's networking lunch due by Friday.

Click here to link to the Chamber's page.

Site plan for new Starbucks Coffee filed

The site plan for the new Starbucks Coffee coming to Idaho Falls this year.

We made our first stop of 2014 at the Idaho Falls Building Department, to wish everyone happy new year but not expecting anything too exciting. One thing that jumped out, however, was the site plan for the new Starbuck's at the corner of 17th Street and Jennie Lee Drive. The 2,158-square-foot store is being built by Wadsworth Development of Draper, Utah.

Wadsworth has local involvement with Ball Ventures of Idaho Falls. In 2012 the two companies received the InterContinental Hotels Group Renovation Award for their work on the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Phoenix-Tempe, Ariz.

We are also bird-dogging MacKenzie River Pizza, which is slated to open at Snake River Landing in the beginning of March, according to spokeswoman in the chain's headquarters in Whitefish, Mont. If you can't wait that long, their store in Pocatello opened Monday.

New blog, The Local, covers events in area

Since she has been kind enough to plug BizMojo Idaho, I feel it's only fitting that I call your attention to The Local in Idaho Falls, a blog by my friend Amanda.

In addition to observations and photos, Amanda is putting together calendars and lists of links to help people explore the quality of life here. I encourage all you loyal readers to check her out and help her out with your comments and tips.

Public speaking essential to success in business

I've never had a problem with public speaking, but I know it's a widely held view that talking in front of people is something most folks would rather not do. The only thing worse for them I imagine would be singing, also something I don't have trouble doing.

Be that as it may, here is an interesting piece about how if you have any hope of succeeding in business public speaking is going to be part of it. The author is Martin Zwilling, CEO and founder of Startup Professionals, Inc.

I found this little tidbit the most interesting part: "(Being) able to speak in public is one of the five key business skills that can make or break your company, whether you are a new startup or an entrepreneur who's been around for many years. The other four are: new product development, writing, time management, and sales/marketing. Many would argue that Steve Jobs impact at Apple came more from his public speaking ability than the other four skills put together."

So if you're still looking for a new year's resolution, perhaps you might make it your mission to become more comfortable speaking to people.


 

Freddy's Frozen Custard coming in 2014

Mmm, mmm, mmm ... it's been a while since we've posted a juicy burger photo, but Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is coming, so salivate away.

I wouldn't want to let 2013 slip away without getting one or two last licks in, so I'm happy to report that although my information is far from complete I have confirmation that Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is coming to the area in 2014.

"The franchisee in the area confirms that he is negotiating a real estate deal in Idaho Falls. We will be happy to confirm the location when the parcel is under contract," said Sarah Salmon, communications director for the chain, which is based in Wichita, Kan.

By way of background, Freddy's was founded in 2002 by two brothers, Bill and Randy Simon, whose father, Freddy Simon, was the inspiration for the restaurant and obviously its namesake. The first franchise launched in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 2004 and by October 2013 the company had opened its 100th location, in Bowling Green, Ky. According to the Web site, Freddy's plans to open 400 more stores over the next 10 to 15 years.