INL honors researchers, inventors for achievements in 2013

A.J. "Gus" Caffrey

The Idaho National Laboratory honored more than 100 researchers and inventors Friday night at its annual recognition event, held this year at the Energy Innovation Laboratory in Idaho Falls.

This was the 18th such reception, and honored the lab's achievements in 2013, including the receipt of 39 new patents, the application for 21 new patents and the submission of 32 new inventions for evaluation. The work that goes on at the lab may be used by U.S. government agencies and also licensed for commercialization.

This year's honorees included:

• Joshua Daw for Exceptional Engineering Achievement,
• Aaron Wilson for Early Career Exceptional Achievement,
• Douglas Porter for Individual Lifetime Achievement in Science and Technology
• A.J. "Gus" Caffrey, Inventor of the Year
• Albert Smith, Technician of the Year

INL is one of the U.S. Department of Energy's 10 multi-program national laboratories. The laboratory performs work in each of DOE's strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and environment. INL is the nation's leading center for nuclear energy research and development. Day-to-day management and operation of the laboratory is the responsibility of Battelle Energy Alliance.

Potandon Produce, food blogger team up for online promotions

I have seen the future of marketing and it is in a crock-pot.

Potandon Produce of Idaho Falls is partnering with Jenn Bare, host of the GetCrocked.com blog, on new recipe videos featuring Klondike Brands potatoes and Johnny’s Seasoning.

The first video, featuring a how-to for breakfast casserole, went live Feb. 24 on the GetCrocked site and Klondike Brands channels, as well as YouTube. Recipes will be featured in Klondike Brands’ March newsletter to consumers.

In a press release, Potandon said it plans to air video tips by Bare on how to care for a slow cooker, fill it accurately and prevent burning. Those will run throughout the year.

With its headquarters at Snake River Landing, Potandon is the nation’s largest marketer of fresh potatoes, selling such well-known brands as Green Giant Fresh, Klondike Brands and Sunfresh.

Throughout March, Potandon will promote the recipes and tips on social media and give away crockpots to fans and followers. Weekly promotions will run as well on Klondike Brands Web site. The first promotion is an online buy-one-get-one coupon for Klondike Rose potatoes and Johnny’s Seasoning Salt. There is also a $5-off deal on a "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2" DVD.

This casserole looks really good by the way and I will probably make it, perhaps for brunch.

Tacoma Screw opens Idaho Falls store

Tacoma Screw store manager Shawn Senner escorts a customer through the shelves at the company's new Idaho Falls store, at 1811 North Yellowstone.

Although several staff members are still being trained, Tacoma Screw has opened its 10,000-square-foot store at 1811 North Yellowstone, where Plaza Lanes used to be.

Manager Shawn Senner said the store opened its doors Feb. 17, but that a grand opening won't be until March or April.

This is the Tacoma, Wash.-based company's third store in Idaho (the others are in Boise and Twin Falls). Tacoma has a customer base that includes retail, manufacturing, construction, transportation, aerospace, agriculture, food processing and government. For custom orders, the company has a special fabrication shop.

DocuTech, Artcore Visual Studio, announce partnership

Ty Jenkins

DocuTech Corp., a leading provider of compliance and documentation technology, has partnered with Artcore Visual Studio, an Idaho Falls-based marketing and graphic design company, to build brand presence and awareness.

DocuTech provides compliance services, documentation technology and legal counsel to mortgage industry professionals. Its flagship software, ConformX®, is a web-based program designed to transform an Internet connection into a 24-hour loan origination or closing office.

Artcore offers graphic design, photography, marketing and social media assistance to businesses, non-profits and event organizers.

The partnership between two Idaho Falls companies reflects the commitment each has to the local economy and community, with a mutual focus on recruitment and customer growth, said Ty Jenkins, founder and CEO of DocuTech, in a press release.

Artcore was founded by graphic designer and photographer Dayne Dingman and is run by him and his wife, Michelle, who serves as chief executive officer.

Fifty students named recipients of Mayor's Scholarship funds

Fifty students from area schools will be awarded scholarships totaling $50,000 at the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund Ceremony on  March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls.

This number is up from 32 awarded last year. 

The fund supports two different awards, the  Senior Scholarship, for graduating
seniors, in the amount of $1,500; and the Mayor’s Promise Award, in the amount of $500 for students in grades 8-11 who agree to maintain a college-bound path. Both awards are intended for use at accredited institutions of higher education in Idaho. The Mayor’s Promise Award can also be applied to dual credit courses taken in Idaho high schools. Dual credit courses allow students to obtain college credits while working toward their high school diploma.  

The program dates back to 2006 and was established by Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman in partnership with the District 91 Education Foundation. Since then, it has awarded 248 scholarships totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. An endowment fund was also established.

Here are the names of the students who received awards.

2014 Senior Recipients
Alexandra Brabec Hillcrest
Parker Erikson  Idaho Falls High
Taylor Gunnell  Hillcrest
Jesenia Hernandez Idaho Falls High
Lelainne Horvath Skyline 
Natasha Hughes  Idaho Falls High
Corbin John   Idaho Falls High
Bailey McBride   Hillcrest
Sydney Mecham  Hillcrest
Madison Molino   Idaho Falls High
Katelyn Morgan   Hillcrest
Kennadee Moss   Idaho Falls High
Veronica Nield   Idaho Falls High
Karissa Olson  Hillcrest
Kali Parkinson  Bonneville
Lesly Rodriquez  Emerson High
Marlee Smith  Bonneville
Megan Smith  Skyline
Jacob Taggart   Idaho Falls
Haylea Thomason  Bonneville
Xenya Valdez  Bonneville
Olivia Webb  Idaho Falls High
Kylie Weber   Skyline
Mikaela Wilkins   Skyline
Elon Joshua Wood Skyline
 
2014 Promise Recipients
Payton Batte  Eagle Rock
Ethan Bauer   Eagle Rock
Brianna Duncan  American Heritage
Kylee Bourdeau  Eagle Rock
Shayley Stevens   Skyline
Maria Flores   Eagle Rock
Jared Anderson  Eagle Rock
Misty Bills   Skyline
Ashley Butikofer  Bonneville
Kenidee Casper  Rocky Mountain
Jessica Dennert   Skyline
Hollyn Drake  Sandcreek
Elijah Duguette  Idaho Falls
Oaklee Gose   Taylorview
Jason Hale   Hillcrest
Emily Josephson  Skyline
Adrianna Larimer  Eagle Rock
Brizeyda Martinez-Sanchez Skyline
BreaAnna Miller  Tech Careers Bonneville
Maria Nunez   Sandcreek
MiKirah Olsen  Taylorview
Chase Owen   Skyline
Julia Rice   Skyline
Tessa Tirrell   Taylorview
Lexi Webster  Hillcrest