Making it in the Magic Valley: 12 local organizations that found success and give back – Twin Falls Times-News

The Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center blossoms during its first year

Volunteers work Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at the Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center in Rupert.

RUPERT The Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center is a non-profit volunteer-based organization that uses donations of supplies, time and labor to help people in need with school supplies, hygiene kits and supplies for newborns, along with handcrafted quilts, sleeping mats for those experiencing homelessness and learning games for youth or people who experienced a stroke.

Leslie Garner, Ruperts special projects manager, nominated the nonprofit. Volunteers come together to give of their time, talents and resources to care for those in need, she wrote in her nomination.

The Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center President Becky Schow said the number of regular volunteers that come to lend their time and talents to the project has doubled since the center opened 10 months ago.

Its easy to understand why people love to come into the center because they know the person who will receive the items really needs the help, she said.

From left, Becky Schow, Sally * and Kathy Duncan have a photo taken Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at the Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center in Rupert.

The center networks with about 35 organizations across the region, including schools, nursing homes, domestic violence and homeless shelters, among others to provide supplies.

Basically, people want to help people, she said. People want to help their neighbors and they know they are making a difference.

Rupert really benefits from having such a quality organization in the city, Rupert Mayor Mike Brown said.

But, Rupert isnt the only place to benefit, he said. The benefits extend all over the Magic Valley and Idaho.

The Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center sits Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, in Rupert.

Along with all the products they are delivering to people in need, they are providing people with the opportunity to help others, Brown said.

It makes you feel good when you are able to help someone else, he said. I really commend those folks for doing this.

People are often hooked when they come into the center, which is clean and bright and nicely stocked with project materials, Schow said.

People with all types of skill sets are able to help with the various steps of each project.

People come into the center and they love how it makes them feel, Schow said. Its a win-win situation whether people are receiving the items or serving and volunteering. Its just an incredible happy space.

About: The Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center is a non-profit organization that helps people in need with handcrafted items and kits that are made by community volunteers.

Years in the Magic Valley: The organization opened its doors in March 2019

Number of regular volunteers: 70

Interesting fact: The center logged 29,750 service hours by volunteers through Jan. 23, 2020.

Community contributions: The center networks with about 35 organizations across the Magic Valley that help people in need and provides a variety of items and kits to make peoples lives a little easier. The center also provides an opportunity for volunteers to get involved and help others.

Former owners, Kirt and Carol Martin, left, talk with new owners, Jennifer and Arthur Reece, on Jan. 23 at Snake River Grill in Hagerman. The Reeces say they will continue to use Chef Martin's menu and recipes.

HAGERMAN Chef Kirt Martin says his dedication to local growers, fish farms and wineries has kept Snake River Grill customers happy for a quarter of a century.

Now, the Cordon Bleu-educated chef is giving up his grill at the south end of Hagerman to teach culinary arts and food science at Hagerman High School.

The Hagerman Valley, known as the banana belt of Idaho, grows a unique variety of food from melons and wine grapes to sturgeon and alligator.

Its my Shangri-La, Martin said. I dont take any of this for granted.

Former owners Kirt and Carol Martin, left, pose for a portrait with new owners Jennifer and Arthur Reece on Jan. 23 at Snake River Grill in Hagerman.

He plans to inspire his students at the high school many of whom were raised on microwaved meals with the same appreciation for fresh food and community.

These kids are a sponge, absorbing what hes teaching, Gooding County Commissioner Mark Bolduc said. Kirt is showing them how to get fresh ingredients and how to cook them. I think people are becoming more and more interested in knowing where their food comes from.

Bolduc and Judy Osborne, treasurer of the Hagerman Valley Chamber of Commerce, say they are happy to have Martin and his wife, Carol, stay in Hagerman.

Snake River Grill supports the whole economy of the valley, Bolduc, a business owner and real estate agent, said.

Part of the dining area sits closed during morning hours Jan. 23 at Snake River Grill in Hagerman. Snake River Grill has been selected as one of the businesses featured for the Making it in the Magic Valley award.

The Martins have been great supporters of everything in the valley, he said. They are very enthusiastic about life in general.

Meanwhile, Arthur and Jennifer Reece, the new owners of the Snake River Grill, plan to continue Martins focus on buying local.

Theyre keeping the same crew and the same recipes, Martin said.

About: Snake River Grill is a family restaurant serving customers from Twin Falls to Boise.

Years in the Magic Valley: 25 years

Number of employees: 23

Interesting fact: After a quarter-century at Snake River Grill, Chef Kirt Martin has sold his business to teach food science and culinary arts at Hagerman High School.

Community contribution: Snake River Grill's menu includes as many locally grown products as possible. "Fresh is what we strive for," Chef Kirt Martin said.

Vice President of Customer Experience Retha Nesmith poses for a portrait Jan. 24 at Plant Therapy. The company was founded nine years ago and now has 100 employees, most of whom work in Twin Falls.

TWIN FALLS Plant Therapy is growing like a weed.

The essential oils company opened in Twin Falls in 2011. Since then its been named Idahos fastest growing company and the 31st fastest growing business in the country.

Essential oils are extracted from plants. Theyre basically a concentrated, bottled version of the aromatic chemicals within plants. Some say that using essential oils as a form of aromatherapy, or rubbing them on the skin, can help with a wide variety of ailments.

They have a lot of different therapeutic benefits, said Plant Therapy Vice President of Customer Experience Retha Nesmith.

Nesmith said essential oils can relieve anxiety, depression, insomnia and pain.

Products sit for sale Jan. 20 at Plant Therapy inTwin Falls. Plant Therapy develops and manufactures its products here.

Peppermint essential oils are typically said to increase energy. Lavender is thought of as a stress reliever. Sandalwood can help with focus. Plant Therapy sources some of its peppermint and lavender essential oils from Idaho.

Our oils come from all over the world, Nesmith said.

Plant Therapy isnt the first essential oils company. But Nesmith said part of the business success is due to finding a unique sales niche.

Essential oils are often sold as part of multi-level marketing efforts. Plant Therapy sells its products directly to consumers.

We were one of the first direct-to-consumer essential oils companies, Nesmith said.

Plant Therapy continues to grow fast. The Twin Falls-based company has 100 employees, and four retail stores in Idaho.

The company is planning a major launch of 30 broad-spectrum CBD products sometime in the next few months, as well as new lotions.

LeeAnn Cline is the Times-News ambassador to the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. She said Plant Therapy does a lot to give back to the Magic Valley.

Their contributions to the community go above and beyond, Cline said. You will see a Plant Therapy team volunteering their time at all the local charitable and fundraising events. Theyre always smiling and always willing to help.

Nesmith said that charitable streak comes from the top.

Chris (Jones, the owner,) is just one of the most charitable people I know, she said. She noted that Plant Therapy has helped build wells and an orphanage in Africa, and that company employees participate in trash clean up days.

About: Plant Therapy makes essential oils strongly scented liquids extracted from plants and used primarily for aromatherapy and sells them directly to consumers.

Years in the Magic Valley: 9

Number of employees: 100, mostly in Twin Falls, but also in Boise.

Interesting fact: Plant Therapy uses lavender and peppermint grown in Idaho in some of its oils.

Community contribution: Company employees often volunteer at local charitable and fundraising events, and help pick up trash.

Children play outside Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at the Boys and Girls Club of the Magic Valley in Rupert.

RUPERT The Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley in Rupert opened in the summer of 2018. The programs continued growth allowed the program to expand to a third location at Heyburn Elementary School this year.

Community partnerships with the Minidoka County School District and the city of Rupert allowed the program to easily expand, said Lindsey Westburg, the groups executive director.

The response in the community to this program has been tremendous, Rupert Mayor Mike Brown said. We knew we needed something like this but we didnt know how much we needed it.

Yeliah Juarez picks up her snack Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at the Boys and Girls Club of the Magic Valley in Rupert.

The club offers after school and summer activities along with kindergarten. Activities include homework help, learning about healthy lifestyles, art, snacks and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) program, along with community service and leadership activities.

They have provided much-needed youth programming, Leslie Garner, the citys special projects manager, wrote in nominating the group. The B&G Club provides a structured environment while offering a safe alternative to latch-key kids. They have assisted in educational excellence.

The Rupert program serves students at Rupert, Heyburn, Paul and Acequia schools, with the school district providing busing for students to the locations. Parents pick their students up from the club.

Brown commends the school districts commitment to the program because the busing allows the program to serve children in several communities.

The club is a safety net for the community, Westburg said. The organization has been in southern Idaho for 25 years.

Children hang outside Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at the Boys and Girls Club of the Magic Valley in Rupert.

Brown said one of the best parts of the program is that it serves children regardless of their familys ability to pay.

After school programs are offered free of charge and summer programs have a nominal fee. There is an annual $20 membership fee, and scholarships are available.

The program serves children ages 5 to 18 years old and provides an opportunity for them to build relationships with caring mentors and learn the benefits of community service, Westburg said.

We are always working hard to figure out how to serve more kids and serve them the best we can, she said.

About: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley in Rupert operates in three locations at Rupert Elementary School, 323 First St. and Heyburn Elementary School. The organization offers kindergarten classes along with after school programs for youth ages 5 to 18 years old.

Years in the Magic Valley: Establish summer 2018, Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley have been in the area for 25 years

Number of employees: 25

Interesting fact: The Rupert program was made possible through a community partnership with the city of Rupert and the Minidoka County School District.

Community contributions: It provides a safe space for children during non-school hours where they can build relationships with caring mentors where they can feel empowered and build character through community service.

TWIN FALLS When Koto Brewing Co. owner Shane Cook visited Twin Falls for a weekend from his native Salt Lake City 14 years ago, he fell in love with the community right away. The smaller city also gave him new opportunities in the restaurant business.

I would never dare to open my own place in Salt Lake, Cook said. But the community support here its the reason I moved here.

After just more than a year, Koto earned this years Making it in the Magic Valley award for a Twin Falls small employer.

Cook opened Twin Falls Sandwich Co. in 2012. A few years later, he set his sights on another venture: A brewery and restaurant.

Pierre Tusow, head brewer fills a keg Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at Koto Brewing Company in downtown Twin Falls.

The right spot was just down the street from Sandwich Co. downtown. But the building, which was nearly 100 years old, required quite a bit of restorative work before it could start brewing and hosting guests.

It was a six-month project that turned into a year and a half, Cook said. Once we started tearing into it, we had to start replacing all of the plumbing, all of the electrical.

Koto officially opened on Dec. 7, 2018. The revitalization came just after the rest of the downtown underwent its massive renovation.

Nathan Murray, the director of economic development for the City of Twin Falls who nominated Koto for this honor, said Cooks efforts with both of his businesses have been key in the recent growth downtown.

Shane was one of the early investors that helped begin the renaissance of downtown Twin Falls with the establishment of the Twin Falls Sandwich Co., Murray said in his nomination. His most recent venture, Koto Brewing Company, has also been a success and brought vibrancy to the local nightlife.

Koto Brewing Company currently has 11 beers on tap Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, in downtown Twin Falls.

Cook has home-brewed for more than 20 years, but he put the chief brewing duties in the hands of his friend, Pierre Tusow. Koto uses almost exclusively ingredients from Idaho.

He does it much better than I do, Cook said. But between the two of us, it was a no-brainer. Its definitely something the community needs, a place to hang out.

On top of its food and drinks, Koto has acted as an all-purpose entertainment hub downtown. Once-a-month events include a trivia night in partnership with the Magic Valley Young Professionals and stand-up comedians. The comedians come from all across the country.

When there isnt trivia or comedy going on, Koto hosts its share of live music.

Cook said Twin Falls has taken good care of Koto so far in its short history, and he wants the company to be a positive in the community. Having a place where people can gather and share ideas is great for locals.

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Making it in the Magic Valley: 12 local organizations that found success and give back - Twin Falls Times-News