First the Philippines, next Thailand

Steve Stajkowski makes jet boats for the recreation industry. You know, zipping up the Snake River on a hot summer day, enjoying the cool spray on your face and dropping a line in the water from time to time.

Now, let’s just say SJX Boats of Orofino has expanded its mission a bit. Last month, one of his specialized jet boats was in full operation in the Philippines during horrendous flooding there. That boat helped save 1,200 people trapped by the rising water.

It seems that another of SJX’s boats is on its way to Thailand, where flooding is also occurring. These boats are saving lives. Here’s SJX’s website: www.sj-x.com.

Made in USA

Building? Check. Electricity? Check. “Made in USA” stamp? Check.

Before his first product rolled off the line in October, foundry owner Ed Endebrock wanted one thing clear: It was going to be marked as made in the USA. Ende Machine and Foundry in Craigmont was created to insource cast iron castings formerly made in China.

Endebrock started the foundry to service his main company, Hydraulic Warehouse Inc. which makes hydraulics parts in nearby Lewiston. He made the decision after he drew up plans for the product he needed, sent them to the China manufacturer and found that one of his competitors received the product first. Endebrock ended up buying the castings from his competitor.

Read the full article at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/9/prweb8821081.htm

Whew, that was fast

Just 21 months after Allstate expressed interest in moving here, they opened this new customer service center in Chubbock/Pocatello. They'll be up and running with more than 500 employees very soon. Let's repeat that because it sounded so good: 500 employees. We're glad Allstate made this choice, over the 100 other cities they considered. Welcome to Idaho!