Boise is the region's primary economic center. The city is home to the headquarters of a number of major firms including URS Corp, Albertson's Inc (supermarket chain), Boise Cascade LLC (wood and paper products), Washington Group International, Morrison Knudsen (engineering and construction), Idaho Pacific Lumber Company, Idaho Timber, Micron Technology (semiconductor manufacturer), T.J. International (specialty building products) J.R. Simplot Company (frozen foods, cattle and phosphates) and WinCo Foods.
The high-tech industry is increasingly becoming more important in Boise. The high-tech sector includes firms such as Mobile Data Force, Balihoo.com, Microsoft and Sybase. Boise is also home to numerous manufacturing facilities. In addition, Boise is a prominent location for call centers, with call centers for companies such as DIRECTV, Teleperformance and T-Mobile. Tourism is also a significant element of the economy. In addition, since Boise is the state capital, the state government is a major employer.
Shown below is a list of the largest employers in Boise:
- Ada County
- Albertson's Inc
- Boise Corporation
- Boise School District
- Boise State University
- City of Boise
- Fred Myer
- DIRECTV
- Hewlett-Packard Company
- Idaho Department of Commerce & Labor
- Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
- Idaho Power Company
- Micron Technology
- J.R. Simplot Company
- Qwest Communications
- St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
- St. Luke's Regional Medical Center
- U.S. Postal Service
- U.S. Bank
- Veterans Affair, Medical Center
- Walmart
- Wells Fargo
- Washington Group International
- IDACORP
- American Ecology Corp
The major sectors for employment in Boise are:
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Government
- Professional and business services
- Education and health services
- Leisure and hospitality
Interesting information about Boise: Included in Inc.com's hottest median size cities for entrepreneurs list. Ranked #3 in Forbes Magazine's list of best places for business and careers. The city's workforce is educated above the country's average. The estimated median household income in Boise in 2007 was $49,000. The cost of living index in 2008 was 90.6. The national average is 100. About 34% of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or better.
Boise companies have access to helpful business organizations including:
The Idaho Statesman offers current information regarding the business activities in Boise.
