East Idaho Times

IDAHO FALLS – The City of Idaho Falls has welcomed a familiar face in economic development to the team.

Catherine Smith will now serve as the City’s Economic Development Administrator. The administrator works to find innovative ways to recruit, retain, expand, and promote business and economic opportunities in Idaho Falls.

“Catherine is no stranger to our community. In her previous position, she worked tirelessly to improve and revitalize downtown Idaho Falls,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “She also has prior experience with non-profits, fundraising, and small business. We look forward to the insight and innovation she will bring to her new role as she works to make Idaho Falls a better place for business to thrive.” 

Smith comes to the City of Idaho Falls after working as the Executive Director of the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation. In that role, Smith oversaw the non-profit organization that manages the Idaho Falls Business Improvement District. The corporation advances the historical downtown and organizes events such as FallBrew, Taste of Downtown, and the Tree Lighting Celebration, to name a few.

Smith is a fourth-generation Idahoan and is tied to her local and regional community through nonprofit work and volunteerism. She is a member of the Idaho Falls Rotary Club, Chair of the East Regional Council for the Idaho Community Foundation, serves on the Board of Directors of the District 91 Education Foundation and the Greater Idaho Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, is a Commissioner of Idaho Falls Historic Preservation Commission, and is the Executive Secretary of the Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame.

In 2019 she was recognized with the 2019 Idaho APAP Leadership Award. She is a graduate of the Leadership Idaho Falls program from the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as a Distinguished Under 40 award winner. She has also worked for the Idaho Community Foundation, Idaho Falls Arts Council, Post Register, and the Idaho Commission on the Arts.

As the new Economic Development Administrator, Smith will work with the Public Works and Community Development Services Departments to streamline development processes. She is tasked with meeting the needs of the private sector as she seeks to make Idaho Falls attractive for development. The position also interfaces with economic development influencers throughout the state and region to encourage new businesses to locate within the city.

“I am thrilled to join the team at the City of Idaho Falls,” Smith said. “It’s been a privilege and honor to focus my time and energy on the historic city core of our community that I love so much. I’m energized and looking forward to expanding my work outside of our wonderful downtown and collaborate with community leaders, developers and citizens looking to help Idaho Falls grow.”

Original source can be found here.