Another new feature in the Kuna Melba News: Kuna business of the month

This week, we’re launching yet another new feature in the Kuna Melba News. It’s called “Business of the Month,” written by Kuna resident Corinna Stiles.
A couple of months ago, the Kuna Melba News ran an online poll asking readers how much of their holiday shopping they were planning on doing in Kuna. The number one response was, “None. There’s nothing good to buy in Kuna.”
Of course, the result was disheartening, as I’m sure it was for many of our local business owners who are doing their best to run a good business with excellent products and excellent service. It was also disheartening as the owner of the local newspaper, as we’re the ones trying our best to get the word out to our local residents. Some days it feels like beating your head against a brick wall.
It got me to thinking, though, that we simply need to do a better job of informing our residents of what we have to offer right here in Kuna. Why drive 20 minutes to a chain steakhouse when we have Peregrine Steakhouse right here in Kuna? Why drive up the road to Home Depot or Lowe’s when you can get everything you need at either True Value or Kuna Lumber right here in Kuna — and get way better service? Why go to Wal-Mart to get a birthday present when The Wild Ivy has some great kids gifts right here in Kuna? The list of amenities in Kuna goes on and on, it’s just that so many people are unaware that they really can get just about everything here in Kuna. And not just retail, but services, as well. Financial advisors, dentists, orthodontist, insurance, copying and printing, computer repair, etc.
In February, we are asking every single person reading this column, reading the story or seeing the house ad to go to the Peregrine Steakhouse just once. Go for lunch. Go for dinner. Go for the Sunday brunch. If you were planning on going to Outback Steakhouse or Red Robin or some other chain restaurant up in Meridian this month, change your plans and go to Peregrine instead.
You’ll be doing yourself a favor and you’ll also be boosting the local economy at the same time.

What's the next step for the Kuna Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee?

Work on the Kuna Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee continues full throttle.
A couple of weeks ago, the Kuna Melba News asked its online readers in our weekly poll what you felt the committee’s top priority should be.
We offered the choices of improving downtown Main Street, attracting new commercial development, attracting industrial manufacturers, marketing existing businesses and planning and organizing special community events.
With 56 percent of the vote, attracting new commercial development was the top vote-getter, followed by improving Main Street (14.6 percent), marketing existing businesses (12.2 percent) and attracting industrial manufacturers (9.8 percent). That message is pretty clear. But that doesn’t mean we’re only going to do one thing at the exclusion of all else.
When I think of the types of commercial ventures to attract to Kuna, I have some ideas of businesses that I think would do well here and that local residents want, such as a dry cleaner, a bowling alley, a movie theater and a skateboard/bike shop.
As always, I’d love to hear what you think. What businesses would you like to see in Kuna? What have I left out? What do you think would be successful? What business would you patronize? What kind of a manufacturer would you like to see in Kuna? Send me a letter: PO Box 373, Kuna ID 83634, or send me an email: kunamelbanews@aol.com. Or simply post an opinion to this blog.

There is more of this column in my Editor's Notebook in this week's Kuna Melba News.

Kuna Chamber of Commerce annual dinner

Nicola and I just got back from the Kuna Chamber of Commerce annual dinner, where Nicola was officially installed as the chamber president, taking over from Allen Gamel. Other board members installed tonight were Kerri Avery, Tammy Croft, Steven Ricks, Julie Combs, Bill Clark, Charlie Long and Gamel as past president. I think it's going to be a very interesting year for the Chamber, with a lot of new energy and positive input. I'm excited about what the Chamber can accomplish, and not just because my wife is the president. I think there's an excellent mix of minds on the board and a lot of good ideas out there waiting to bubble up to the surface and take shape. Also tonight, Kuna Lumber was named Business of the Year, based not only on owner Dave Browning's contributions as a board member but also for the Browning family's major investment and expansion into hardware with a new 4,000-square-foot showroom. Named Chamber Member of the Year was Steven Ricks for his contributions to the chamber as the government relations director. About 50 people attended the dinner at Castle Gardens. It was great food, great company, great conversation. Terrific night all around.