FORT HALL — Bingham Economic Development Corporation officials marked a year of successes and discussed their hopes for a bright economic future during their annual symposium on Wednesday. 

“This has been a banner year,” Scott Reese, chairman of Bingham Economic Development Corporation, said following the event. 

Not only have they seen an increase in private investors wanting to assist Bingham Economic Development Corporation in its work this year, Reese said, but two companies have moved into Bingham County.

Glanbia Foods purchased the former Sartori cheese plant in Blackfoot and is now planning to expand, and Idaho Falls-based Golden Valley Natural, which produces meat snacks, is planning to open a plant in Shelley, Reese said. 

Dan Cravens, vice chairman of Bingham Economic Development Corporation, said the businesses are adding jobs directly through their own hires and indirectly as their operations lead to needs in other industries. 

Cravens, who is also the regional economist for the Idaho Department of Labor, said the the healthcare and social assistance industry is expected to grow 40 percent in Bingham County over the next decade, while professional and technical services could increase by 43 percent, transportation by 24 percent and construction by 14 percent. 

Although the county’s unemployment rate went up to 6.8 percent in August compared to 5.8 percent at the same timeframe in 2012, Cravens said the increase is likely a sign that people who became discouraged and quit looking for work in recent years are now returning to the job hut. 

Cravens said the number of job posts is on the rise. 

“We have the same number (now) as we did during the entire year last year,” he said. “We’ve seen a nice upswing.”

Still, Bingham County’s per capita income, which was listed as $27,500 in 2011, is still lower than the state and U.S. numbers of $32,881 and $41,560 respectively, Cravens said.  

“Bingham County does lag behind the state,” he said, adding that they need more and higher-paying jobs in the area. “That’s all the more reason why we need Bingham Economic Development Corporation to support economic development.”

Wednesday’s symposium featured two keynote speakers: Kent Oram, CEO of Idaho Central Credit Union, and Rick Keller, CEO of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. 

“I thought the topics were spot on,” Reese said, adding that Oram was able to discuss the financial aspects of economic development, while Keller discussed the trends in the agricultural industry, which is still a major player in the local economy. 

Three men were also honored during the symposium. Richard Johnson of Grove City Gardens received the Butch Hulse Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Member, officials said, while Dan Cravens received the Member in Excellence Award for his work with the Idaho Department of Labor, and Blackfoot Mayor Mike Virtue was awarded the Partner in Excellence Award. 

Roger Chase, who does consulting work for Bingham Economic Development Corporation, said he is happy with the changes that have taken place this year. 

“The county commissioners, mayors of the cities and business leaders have made an outstanding effort to work together to show off all of the assets that Bingham County has,” he said, adding that they have also been willing to help meet the needs of new and existing businesses. “We’ve had great support in welcoming new companies to the area.”

Reese said there has also been more cooperation with economic development organizations in Bonneville and Bannock counties recently, since everyone wins when new businesses move into the region and existing businesses expand. 

“I think the economic outlook in Idaho is bright,” Reese said.