Elevation 740

Elevation 740

A community-minded show that features local businesses and community members to discuss the past, present, and current projects going on in the LC Vally and beyond.

  1. Celebrating Agriculture in the LC Valley: A Conversation with Steve Boyer | Episode 110

    12/18/2025

    Celebrating Agriculture in the LC Valley: A Conversation with Steve Boyer | Episode 110

    In this episode of Elevation 740, hosted by Mark Losh, CEO of the LC Valley Chamber of Commerce, we sit down with Steve Boyer of Boyer Land and Cattle to celebrate agriculture.Steve shares the rich, multi-generational history of the Boyer family, from humble beginnings in the late 1950s to building a thriving dryland farming and cattle operation. This conversation highlights the realities of farming, the importance of generational agriculture, and how technology, markets, and family have shaped the industry over decades.Key topics discussed in this episode: • The Boyer family’s farming roots and history in the LC Valley • Dryland farming, wheat production, and crop rotation in the region • The rise and fall of peas, lentils, garbanzo beans, and wheat markets • Boom-and-bust cycles in agriculture and today’s economic challenges • How farming technology and equipment have evolved over time • Generational farming and the role of family in sustaining agriculture • Advice for young people considering a future in farming • The future of agriculture in the Lewis-Clark Valley and beyondThis episode is a heartfelt look at what it takes to keep family farms alive in America—and why agriculture remains deeply woven into the fabric of our community.🎧 Subscribe to Elevation 740 for more conversations with local leaders, business owners, and community voices shaping the LC Valley.Thank you for listening, and we’ll see you on the next episode of Elevation 740.

    21 min
  2. The Future of the Port of Lewiston: A Conversation with Scott Corbitt | Episode 109

    11/20/2025

    The Future of the Port of Lewiston: A Conversation with Scott Corbitt | Episode 109

    Join Mark Losh, CEO of the LC Valley Chamber of Commerce, as he sits down with Scott Corbitt, General Manager of the Port of Lewiston, to discuss the essential role of the Port and exciting new ventures driving economic growth in the Lewis-Clark Valley.This episode dives into the crucial balance of maintaining key infrastructure while innovating for the future.Key Topics Discussed:The Power of Barging: Learn about the massive economic impact of river transport on the agricultural community, including how one barge takes approximately 140 semi-trucks off the road. The cost advantage for local wheat farmers is approximately 50 cents to a dollar per bushel.Broadband as Economic Lifeline: Scott shares details on two major broadband initiatives, including the groundbreaking Intra-Idaho Middle Mile Broadband Network stretching from Moscow to Grangeville.Community-Owned Fiber: Discover the plan to bring high-speed broadband to every address in Lewiston through a new non-profit, Confluence Fiber. The network is being built without taxpayer dollars or Port debt, with ultimate ownership returning to the community.Tourism and the River: An update on the Port’s flourishing cruise ship business, which expects to bring in approximately 20,000 tourists and generate about $16 million in benefits this year.Fostering Local Entrepreneurship: The Port's successful incubation program provides startups with subsidized space to help businesses grow out of the "garage" phase, citing Clearwater Canyon Cellars and major regional manufacturer Seakins Precision as success stories.The Future of Leadership: A discussion on the importance of the returning Leadership LC Valley program, sponsored this year by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.Tune in to hear how the Port of Lewiston is supporting farmers, boosting tourism, and building essential infrastructure for the next generation of the Lewis-Clark Valley!

    19 min
  3. Partnership & Growth: Ed Freysinger on the Future of St. Joe's | Episode 108

    10/15/2025

    Partnership & Growth: Ed Freysinger on the Future of St. Joe's | Episode 108

    Join Mark Losh, CEO of the LC Valley Chamber of Commerce, for an insightful conversation with Ed Freysinger, CEO of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Ed discusses the exciting recent acquisition/partnership with Catalyst Medical Group and the positive impact this collaboration will have on healthcare access in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and surrounding regions.Discover how St. Joe's is not only committed to providing services but is actively enhancing and expanding care options right here in the community.In this episode, you will learn about:Complementary Services: How the partnership with Catalyst Medical Group creates a broader spectrum of specialty services under one roof, with minimal overlap. The only overlapping area is in primary care.Commitment to the Community: St. Joe's 120+ year history and substantial role as a major employer with over 700 employees supporting the local economy. They provide over $20 million in community benefit annually, including over $14 million in undercompensated care and $6 million in local taxes.Specialized Care: Why St. Joe's is classified as a Major Referral Center and Medical Center (not a Critical Access Hospital). It is the region's only Level 3 Emergency Department and features a Platinum-rated Interventional Cardiology program, Interventional Radiology, and a robust OB program recognized by US News and World Report.Cutting-Edge Technology: The significant technology investments, including:Robots for orthopedic, general, neuro, and ortho-spine surgery in the OR.Replacing the second of two linear accelerators (used for cancer treatment) to provide some of the most advanced equipment in the Northwest.A newly installed PET CT Scanner for timely cancer diagnosis, running five days a week and doubling capacity.Enhanced Access to Care: The focus on improving patient access through transitions of care (not just transactions), exemplified by the new 10-bed acute rehab unit. This unit provides intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy locally for patients recovering from events like a stroke, preventing the need to travel hours for treatment.Ed emphasizes that the goal is to enhance the patient experience, improve access, integrate care, and ultimately help people get healthy and stay healthy.

    16 min
  4. Building a Stronger Community Through Collaboration | Episode 107

    09/25/2025

    Building a Stronger Community Through Collaboration | Episode 107

    Tobe Finch, President of the LC Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Mark Losh, the new Chamber CEO, engage in a discussion about their vision for the Chamber's role in fostering community growth and prosperity. Mark emphasizes the importance of collaboration as a key driver for innovation and growth within the LC Valley. Key insights from their conversation include: The Chamber as a Central Hub: Mark envisions the Chamber acting as a "fuse box" or central hub, channeling information and connecting individuals and businesses to foster a more integrated and efficient community. Focus on Engagement: Losh plans an ambitious outreach effort, aiming for 90 direct contacts in 45 days to actively listen to community members and gather insights into their needs and challenges. He stresses that engagement is crucial for the Chamber's success and for driving positive change. Supporting Diverse Businesses: The discussion highlights the Chamber's commitment to supporting both large corporations and small businesses by working to create a healthy, safe, and educated community. This environment aims to retain existing talent and attract new residents, ultimately benefiting all industries, including agriculture, which is a vital part of the region. The Power of Helping Each Other: A core theme is the idea of a "help fest" where individuals and organizations actively seek to assist one another. This reciprocal support, whether through mentorship, education, or addressing community needs, is seen as the catalyst for a significant "splash of energy" leading to growth and prosperity. Community Pride and Values: Mark expresses his appreciation for the LC Valley's small-town charm, the kindness of its residents, and the strong sense of community pride. Encouraging everyone to find ways to support their neighbors and contribute to a thriving, interconnected community.

    21 min

About

A community-minded show that features local businesses and community members to discuss the past, present, and current projects going on in the LC Vally and beyond.