City of Meridian Blogs

By Brenda Sherwood, City of Meridian Economic Development Administrator

I just had the opportunity to experience some of the most competitive technology at The 2010 International Manufacturing and Technology Show, the country’s largest manufacturing show of its kind.  Included were 1,728 companies from 30 countries that filled 1,180 booths showcasing 1,137,375 square feet of the latest advances in manufacturing technology.  In attendance were 82,411 representatives from more than 100 countries to scout for their companies next competitive edge in Manufacturing.  

Manufacturing is an industry that has taken a serious hit in the US, but the excitement was in the air at the show, and the sentiment that good things were on the horizon and the hopes that the tide was going to change for the industry.  There was no doubt about it if you attended this show - Manufacturing today is the catalyst of advanced technologies and is truly the driving force of future innovation.  For this reason, I have always felt very strongly that keeping manufacturing in the US is of vital importance to our economy.

One of the many attributes to the manufacturing industry is its workforce.  Manufacturers are highly skilled, have exceptional worker productivity and an above average work ethic.  In addition, there was a tremendous sense of pride among the attendees when it came to the ‘Made in America’ brand.  

As favorable circumstances would have it, I had the chance to join the booth of Meridian’s very own, Dale Newberry, President of Micro 100 Tool Corporation and his incredible team!  Even more notable – what incredible products!!!  Manufacturers from all over the world stopped to boast about the quality of Micro 100’s products - made right here in Meridian.  Their slogan, ‘Quality in Focus,’ is a mere understatement of the reality! Industry experts lined up to see Micro 100's latest ‘Micro-Quick,’ a new tooling technology that reduces machine setup time and increases productivity.  They're new product line was quite an attraction at the show.  I was most impressed with the overwhelming number of people that just stopped to say, ‘Hey, thanks for making a great product!'  Micro 100 Tool Corporation places extremely high standards on their products.  It was a great show with a lot of energy and I was proud to be a part of Micro 100 Tool Corporation’s booth.  I’d like to thank Dale, Scott, Randy, Kerry, Scott H., Charlie, Rob and Craig for an incredible experience.

As I stood there with a Meridian company that is so important to the world’s economy, I had to think about the focus of our economic development efforts.  Although I was there to market Meridian to companies outside of Idaho, the Mayor and I hold dear to our hearts our Business Retention & Expansion Program.  It’s the companies that are already here in Meridian – companies just like Dale Newberry’s - that have made Meridian the vibrant business community that it is today.  Thank you for making Meridian a great place to live, work and play.

By Mayor Tammy

Meridian is an amazing community made up of a variety of talented individuals many who use their talents to benefit our community in a number of ways.  Often referred to as “silent leaders,” these individuals are the faces you see countless times in our community at a variety of events, serving not for recognition, but rather to make their home a better place.  These silent leaders deserve the recognition for laying the groundwork for our community, giving us much to celebrate today in Meridian.

Recently the City of Meridian lost one of those silent leaders, a precious member of our community, with the passing of Terry Smith.  Terry was a long-time businessman and active volunteer; he represented the best of our community.  I truly believe there is not a person in Meridian that wasn’t touched by Terry in one form or another – whether they knew it or not.  Terry was all the things our community stands for, a true pillar in our town and known by many as “Mr. Meridian.” 

Terry Smith was a man of faith, a man who loved his family.  He was a banker, Meridian Kiwanis leader, President of and ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, involved in preserving and sharing our rich history, a believer and supporter of youth and a train enthusiast.  Terry was a community advocate and the energy behind projects such as the Eagle Road interchange, Generations Plaza, the creation of the urban renewal district, the Main Street LID that brought street trees and sidewalks…and dare I mention, the Split corridor and the years of debate.  He was known through his service on countless committees and philanthropic involvements as an individual who unselfishly dedicated his entire life to the community and others.  Terry was truly a man who has made a significant difference in our community!  Personally, he was my mentor; he was truly an inspiration.

Like many of our residents, Terry had an opinion and he would often share it without solicitation.  What made Terry unique was that not only did he always have great points to argue and loved a debate, he always had what was best in mind for his community…for our community. 

His passion for Meridian and youth drove his heart, mind, and deeds in his efforts which were always to build a better Meridian.  Our community is indebted to this man.  We all have a responsibility to pick up where he left off.  In his example - in his memory – get more involved; be a voice, make a difference in our community doing what you are passionate about.  Like Terry, passion and conviction are essential ingredients in choosing your involvement.  I also imagine Terry would say – don’t just talk about it, do it.

People like Terry have encouraged me to celebrate Meridian and be involved.  And it is all the people and groups that are involved in our community that make us unique.  I encourage and challenge you to honor Terry’s legacy, the legacy of a solid community leader, by becoming more involved in Meridian.  Find your passion and use it to make a difference.

I often refer to the popular “Starfish Story” by Loren Eisely.  The story is about a young boy who is seen returning starfish to the ocean as the tide was going out.  The boy is working feverishly in an effort to save as many starfish as possible, when the narrator questions how he can possibly save every starfish due to the countless miles of beaches.  At this, the boy bends down, picks up another starfish, and throws it into the ocean. As it meets the water, he says, "It made a difference for that one." 

We all have the opportunity to serve and to make a difference whether it is big or small.  If you know of an individual who is making a difference in Meridian, I want to hear about it.  Email me at MayorTammy@meridiancity.org and together we can celebrate the silent leaders who are leaving a legacy and making Meridian the premier place to live, work and raise a family.

By:  Bill Nary, City Attorney/HR Director

Last month the Mayor and Council completed action on the City Budget and were able to balance the needs of our community while foregoing the 3% property tax allowed by law.  This was possible because the City has weathered the economic times thanks to good planning by our Finance staff, necessary belt tightening by our City employees, and sound fiscal management by our Mayor and Council.  We provide appropriate wages and benefits for our small, but hearty work force without having to resort to cut backs or layoffs that have become the norm for both the public and private sector.  The needs of our community have never been compromised and the vital services needed have been met, while keeping the tax levy in check as many in the community are working hard to make ends meet. 

This next fiscal year that begins October 1^st and needed new positions were approved for the Fire, Parks and Recreation, Police (4 funded from a COPS grant), and Public Works Departments by City Council.  These positions will make sure that as a City we continue to meet the needs of our citizens and our community. 

Inevitably, each year after our annual budget hearings our office usually gets the following questions: “Do you have any jobs?” followed by “How do I apply?”  For those interested in these future positions or an current positions, information can be found are applied for directly off our web page.  All you need is an email address.  Click on www.meridiancity.org and look for the pull down menu for “Online Services.”  Here you will find a tab for “Apply for a Job” that will take you to a page to register your email address and a listing of all openings will be provided.  You can fill out the application and upload any other information including a resume or cover letter.  All applications will be responded to by email initially and after review all will be responded to in writing or by phone.  The City of Meridian is an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work every day. 

If you’re interested, check our page often because we don’t always leave jobs open for long.  We have many more applicants than we can hire so we sometimes may only have a position open for a day or two.  Every application must be done online - we do not accept printed applications.  Keep watching as we hope a position comes along that fits your unique talents and qualities to be a good fit for you and us.