Nampa: Economy

Major Industries and Commercial Activity

Historically, Nampa has been known as a strong agricultural base. Canyon County produces more than 90 percent of the world's sweet corn seed, and is also a leader in the production of livestock, dairy, and alfalfa. Located in the heart of Idaho's wine country, Nampa also produces its share of grapes. Vineyards in Nampa and surrounding areas grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Roussanne, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Syrah varietals. The climate, geography, and location along the Snake River make for ideal growing conditions. Nampa also has a strong manufacturing base, with furniture, boxes, wood products, and computer chips as some of the goods produced. Nampa has benefited from the technology boom: computer equipment manufacturer MCMS is headquartered in Nampa. It is among the city's top employers. Education continues to be a major source of employment in Nampa, with Nampa School District 131 and higher education institutes Northwest Nazarene University and Boise State University's Canyon County Center providing jobs for more than 1,200 people.

Items and goods produced: sweet corn, livestock, alfalfa, dairy products, grapes, computer equipment, cardboard boxes, and furniture

Incentive Programs—New and Existing Companies

Local programs

In recent years, Nampa has experienced rapid economic growth and development. Several companies make their headquarters in Nampa, and many national retailers have opened outlets in Nampa, attracted by Nampa's explosive population growth and pro-business environment. Several entities have been established to encourage business growth and development. The Nampa Industrial Corporation was formed in 1949 to create business opportunities in Nampa through the investment in and development of industrial property. The NIC also assists with community initiatives. The Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses by providing services such as monthly luncheons, small business consultations, networking opportunities, marketing ideas, and sponsorship opportunities for its members. The Boise Metro Economic Development Council (BMEDC) serves the Boise-Nampa area with the goals of creating long-term jobs and encouraging economic development in the community. The BMEDC provides free, customized services to businesses relocating, expanding, or establishing themselves in the Boise Metro Area.

State programs

Idaho is an aggressive pro-business state. The Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor provides services to business owners to assist them in starting, relocating, running, and closing a business. The state offers several incentives to business owners, including a three percent income tax credit to qualifying new investments. A five percent research and development tax credit is offered for qualified research performed in Idaho. The state also offers 100 percent tax exemptions on property tax, and 100 percent sales tax exemption on goods in transit, pollution control equipment, industrial fuels and raw materials, and production equipment and materials used to produce goods. Reimbursements and credits are available for employee training and the creation of new jobs.

Job training programs

The Boise State University Selland College of Applied Technology provides apprenticeship and job training programs to students who are enrolled in the college's Apprenticeship Programs offered by the Center for Workforce Training. Students receive on-the-job training while working as full-time, paid employees. Students also receive classroom training related to their chosen profession. The Center for Workforce Training offers career training programs for adults as well as programs to help businesses increase their productivity. In addition to training in the classroom, the Center offers online training programs and courses.

Development Projects

As Idaho's second-largest city, Nampa continues to attract new business development. In 2004 home improvement retailer Home Depot opened a 102,000 square-foot store in Nampa. In early 2004 Costco announced plans to build a retail center adjacent to the new Karcher Interchange off of Interstate 84. The warehouse club will be one of two anchors of a new, 600,000 square-foot retail development, which will be the only retail center on the I-84 interchange.

In early 2005 the Nampa Industrial Corporation gave a $1,132,000 gift to Boise State University to help construct the Center for Construction and Transportation Technology on the BSU West campus in Nampa. The technical building will train students for careers and spur workforce development in fields such as automotive repair, welding, plumbing, and automotive and diesel technology.

Economic Development Information: Idaho Commerce and Labor, 317 West Main Street, Boise, ID 83735; telephone (208)332-3570; fax (208)334-6300. Center for Work-force Training, Selland College of Applied Technology, Boise State University, 1464 University Drive, Technical Services Building, Boise, ID 83706; toll-free (800)632-6586; fax (208)426-4487.

Commercial Shipping

Nampa is served by the Union Pacific Railroad and 14 commercial truck lines that transport goods produced in Nampa throughout the country. Air freight is handled at Nampa Municipal Airport.

Labor Force and Employment Outlook

Nampa's economy has become less dependent on agriculture as it has become a center for business and manufacturing. However, Nampa has recently suffered a loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector due to the closing of several local plants.

The following is a summary of data regarding the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area labor force, 2004 annual averages.

Size of nonagricultural labor force: 241,600

Number of workers employed in . . .

construction and mining: 17,100

manufacturing: 29,500

trade, transportation and utilities: 45,800

information: 4,200

financial activities: 12,900

professional and business services: 34,700

educational and health services: 29,700

leisure and hospitality: 21,500

other services: 6,900

government: 38,800

Average hourly earnings of production workers employed in manufacturing (statewide): $13.72

Unemployment rate: 4.4% (February 2005)

Largest employers	Number of employees
Nampa School District 131	1,300
MCMS	1,000
Mercy Medical Center	650
Amalgamated Sugar	500
Nestle's Brand Food Service Co.	350
Woodgrain Millwork, Inc.	340
Pacific Press Publishing	280
Home Style Industries	275
Northwest Nazarene College	210

Cost of Living

Nampa's cost of living, as well as its housing prices, are slightly below the national average.

The following is a summary of data regarding several key cost of living factors for the Nampa area.

2004 ACCRA Average House Price: Not reported

2004 ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Not reported

State income tax rate: 1.6% to 7.8%

State sales tax rate: 6.0%

Local income tax rate: 1.00% (occupational)

Local sales tax rate: none

Property tax rate: 2.209% (2004)

Economic Information: Nampa Chamber of Commerce, 1305 3rd Street South, Nampa, ID 83651; telephone (208)466-4641. Boise Metro Economic Development Council, 250 South 5th Street, Boise, ID 83702; telephone (208)472-5230.