01/23/2026
Attending the Growth and Economic Summit with Saul Hernandez was just what I needed. The Speakers talked about strategy, clarity, and disciplined action matter more than ever, especially in a shifting economic environment like we’re seeing across Idaho and the Treasure Valley.
Key growth takeaways for me from Heath Alloway , Growth Partner at Sorren:
➡️ Begin with the end in mind—clear vision drives focused ex*****on.
➡️ Work backward from strategic initiatives to align daily actions with long-term goals.
➡️ Understand team dynamics and create a clear communication plan.
➡️ Protect your time, energy, and focus through quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily priorities (“Big 3” framework).
➡️ Action creates clarity—test, learn, refine, repeat. Progress beats perfection.
Economic insights takeaways for me from Steve Scranton, CFA , Chief Economist at Washington Trust Bank:
• Core inflation and consumer cost pressures remain key risks to monitor.
• It’s not just inflation, it’s inflation relative to wages. Wage growth has not fully offset rising housing and childcare costs.
• Many households are experiencing “shadow pay cuts” through reduced hours, despite slight wage increases.
• Families are working multiple jobs to keep up with rising expenses.
• Tariffs and regulatory compliance can impact small businesses beyond the tariffs themselves.
• Idaho continues to rank among the fastest-growing and most expensive housing markets, driven largely by home price appreciation.
• The takeaway: prepare for risks—but stay focused on the positives and opportunities ahead.
Growth/Leadership today requires clarity, discipline, and adaptability, especially as economic pressures impact households and businesses across our community.
Thank you Steve and Heath for stimulating our minds and pushing the conversation forward.
Grateful to Josh Tyree , President and CEO, for hosting and bringing these conversations to our community.
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