November 2022

I love this time of year because it’s our annual reminder how just how beautiful it can be to change! 

We are changing everything; our clothes, our shoes, switching from Pina Colada to pumpkin spice, from sunflowers to mums, Halloween costumes to cozy sweaters and scarves. The trees have let summer go in a fire of oranges, reds, and yellows, and we are all gearing up for the busy holiday season to come. 

And what else is changing? We’ve got some new faces, fresh input, and new perspectives coming on board (literally!) as a changing of the guard takes place at Buy Idaho. 

It’s always a labor of love, and our board is always the cream of Idaho’s talented crop! 

So join me in saying “thank you” to those who are transitioning from their roles for everything they have done for Buy Idaho, and “welcome” to the new faces and all the places we will go. 

Meet our Board

President: Paula Miller, Iconic Idaho

Paula Miller is a long time Boise entrepreneur, having owned Parcel & Post, Framed! and Iconic Idaho.  Her husband and two daughters are also small business owners.  Buying local and buying Idaho is in her blood. 

Vice President: Lindsey Bowshier, Tribute Media

Lindsey is the president of Tribute Media, an inbound marketing agency in Meridian. As a leader and advocate for small businesses, Lindsey has also served on the board of the Meridian Downtown Business Association, now the Downtown Committee of the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, and is passionate about providing small, local businesses with education and tools be successful online. Lindsey makes it a point to shop local and drink Idaho beer. If she had more time, she’d find the evidence to prove she was the first person to use #IdaHome on Twitter. 

Secretary: Jeanine Barkin, Exitus

Jeanine Barkan - Exitus,  leveraged her valuation expertise and consulting background to develop a program that helps business owners prepare their business for sale and achieve their exit objectives.

Treasurer: Shuwun Ma, Ripple Wealth Management

Shuwun Ma is the owner and founder of Ripple Wealth Management. This financial planning company specializes in creating roadmaps for business owners and those seeking retirement within the next 15 years. He works tirelessly to assist his clients in reaching their goals so they can spend more time on what matters most-- being with their family and friends.

His creativity in financial plan customization, ability to navigate roadblocks, and dedication to our growing business community help guide his clients down the path to success. 

First Past President: Rhea Allen, Peppershock Media

Rhea Allen, President/CEO and Co-Founder of Peppershock Media (est. 2003), is known for her story-telling passion and extreme diligence in obtaining effective media campaign results by planning and crafting relevant and compelling messaging. Also an in-demand integrative marketing consultant, national presenter, adjunct marketing professor at Boise State University, keynote speaker, and the host of a popular podcast that ranks in the top 10% globally.  Rhea emphasizes team building and creating a culture that empowers her team to produce superb work for their clients, time and time again. 

Shantel Murray, Gravity Payments

Shantel Murray Born and (mostly raised) in the Treasure Valley, Shantel graduated from Boise State in 2008 with a degree in Communication & Public Relations. Shantel has worked at Gravity Payments for over 5 years as a consultant for businesses and financial technology software companies. Shantel has always loved being involved in the community & helping businesses find innovative solutions and marketing ideas.

Jan Zar,  Oma and Popies

Dan Balluff,  City Peanut

Dan Balluff opened City Peanut Shop in downtown Boise after enjoying a high-tech career that took him all over the world.  As a child growing up in the midwest, Dan's family would visit the classic peanut store in his hometown.  After he moved to Boise his father would visit and they'd hang-out downtown.  His father kept saying "you should open a peanut shop here. Everybody who comes into a peanut shop is happy".  Years later, in the heart of the recession, Dan decided his father was right and left the corporate world for one that was even more nutty.

Dave Wagers, Idaho Candy 

Dave Wagers has served on the board of Buy Idaho since 1995.  Dave is President of Idaho Candy Company and the manager of Wagers Properties.  He is active in his community having served on many boards and is a Rotarian and President of the Board Trustees for the Boise School District.  A Boise native, Dave and his wife Jill, a local dentist, raised their four children in Boise taking advantage of all Idaho has to offer.

Mindi Anderson, Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Mindi Anderson - Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce, is a newly retired Air Force Veteran that served 22+ years on Active Duty and with the Idaho Air National Guard. Her primary career field was a Radio Operator and Medic/Nurse. She finished her career in 2022 serving as the Idaho Air National Guard Human Resource Advisor for the 124th Fighter Wing providing organizational development and learning to over 1,200 Airmen as a Chief People Officer & Diversity and Inclusion Coaching Practitioner. She is also the Chief Motivational Officer and Founder of Maximize Solutions, Consulting and Coaching Services, LLC. She is the President of the Cascade Fire Community Fund and volunteers with the Cascade Rural Fire Protection District, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Cascade Medical Center Foundation. Through her first-hand experience of feeling the effects of navigating the resources in the community throughout her 22+ year career, she took the initiative to find a solution and founded the Chamber to further bridge the gaps between the Idaho and Military Community.  Her passion for further human connection across all aspects of basic human needs and resources has been her inspiration to continue her mission long after the military.  She is dedicated to further connecting veterans, actively serving, and their families to the benefits, resources, and services that most times, go unutilized.