Movers and Shakers Feb. 12, 2010
Watch repair opens in Post Falls
Yellowstone Watch is a full service watch repair shop servicing all types of wrist and pocket watches. Ken Kotoski, certified master horologist, repairs all brands of watches including Rolex, Seiko, Citizen and Tag Heuer.
Some of the available services include battery, band and crystal replacement, quartz repair, overhaul and repair of mechanical watches, resealing and pressure testing.
Ken and his wife, Kristi, moved to the area three years ago after several successful years in Bozeman, Mont.
They began their business at home servicing individuals all over the United States and Canada through their Web site, www.yellowstonewatch.com. Recently, they opened their doors to the general public with the hopes of servicing the greater Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Spokane area.
Yellowstone is at 1001 N. Spokane St., just up the street from the Post Falls Library.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday. No appointment is necessary.
Information: 262-9425
Web site highlights campaign for F-35s
What could be Idaho's biggest economic development project in years - attracting the U.S. Air Force's F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter missions to two southern Idaho bases - now has its own Web site: www.idahof35.com.
The new Web site will be the community's source for the latest information about the project that could bring up to 3,000 jobs and untold related economic opportunity to Idaho.
The site also encourages the public to help bring the F-35s here by expressing their support at one of several "scoping" open houses planned by the Air Force over the next few weeks. The public can attend these casual sessions to learn more about the project and submit comment cards voicing their opinions.
Public support is one element of the decision-making process. So far, support has come statewide from the Idaho Association of Cities, the Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry and a number of Idaho cities, from Moscow to Idaho Falls.
"We have a great opportunity to show our enthusiastic support for this incredible mission and the men and women who go into harm's way to preserve and protect our way of life," Gov. Butch Otter said. "Time is short and we can't afford to let this chance slip by. Please join me in helping to make Idaho the one place the Air Force decides it must put the F-35s."
Mountain Home Air Force Base and Boise's Gowen Field have made the U.S. Air Force's short list for training and operations for the new F-35 aircraft - a new generation of fighters that will serve all our Armed Forces for decades to come. A decision on where to locate the first rollout of these state-of-the-art fighters will have a big impact on the military's future in Idaho.
Bringing the new missions to Idaho would solidify military operations at Mountain Home Air Force Base and Boise's Gowen Field for another 50 years. The two Idaho bases are part of the final 11 chosen nationally, from an initial field of 205 bases.
The Mountain Home base is a finalist for operations and Gowen Field is a finalist for training, so they are not in competition with each other for selection.
Fourth quarter exports continue upward
Export sales by Idaho companies experienced modest growth of more than 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009, totaling $1.12 billion for October -December. Nationally, exports for the same period were nearly flat, at less than 1 percent growth. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2008, the most current quarter's results are up 5 percent.
International sales of Idaho products for 2009 were down 22 percent compared to 2008, with U.S. exports down nearly 18 percent for the year.
Significant declines in exports during the first three quarters of 2009 mean Idaho is still behind in its year-to-date results compared to 2008, when the value of state exports set a record at more than $5 billion for the full year. Idaho exports for 2009 totaled nearly $3.9 billion.
The top Idaho export category continues to be semiconductors, but exports of industrial equipment, precious metals, mineral concentrates, poultry and dairy products, fruit and seeds also grew during the fourth quarter.
"Idaho's export results for the fourth quarter and for the year mirror the national economic conditions," said Damien Bard, administrator of the international division of the Idaho Department of Commerce. "The growth shown in the last two quarters provide positive signs of a ongoing return to export health."
The top export destinations for Idaho goods in 2009 were Canada, Taiwan, China, Singapore and South Korea. In 2009, Idaho exported products to 150 countries.
Idaho companies export products ranging from integrated circuits to musical instruments to fresh produce. Idaho maintains trade offices in Taiwan, Mexico and China.
If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail bbuley@cdapress.com.