Entry deadline for GEM Awards is Tuesday

The Idaho Falls Advertising Federation's deadline for GEM Award entries is Tuesday at 5 p.m. This is for work published in 2013. For an entry packet, follow this link. Questions? Call or text Steve Fischbach at (208) 317-7723.

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.