Should Idaho be the potato state?

“Do you think Idaho is overcoming its image as ‘the potato state’ — or should it?”

I do believe it is positive for Idaho to be known for other things in addition to being “the potato state.” Being known as “the potato state” gives people the impression that we are somewhat backward, and that just isn’t true.
Even though I wouldn’t want to lose our agricultural base (and be known for it) it is beneficial that we’re starting to be known for other things, such as our electronics and tourism industries.
Mary Kelley
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Blue Cross of Idaho
Boise

Idaho has been known for years for its production of potatoes. As a kid, I remember traveling cross-country with my parents and reading the various license plates along the road. I was always so thrilled to know the Idaho tag “Famous Potatoes.”
I also remember eating potato chips, and when I came to the large ones in the bag I knew they must be from Idaho!
Things have changed a little over the years, and agriculture has taken a lower rung on the ladder than it had in the past; however, I think we must hang on to the “roots” of our state and continue to promote the “Famous Potatoes” slogan!
Don Wixom
Broker/Owner
Re/Max Advantage
Nampa

I think the “potato state” has been a great identifying image for Idaho. Even though we are quickly becoming a high-tech state with Micron leading the way, potatoes and agriculture are still a substantial percentage of the gross state product.  
It’s likely that Micron would not have had the early cash resources available to start up their company had it not been for the potato profits generated by J.R. Simplot. He was the largest investor and built his corporation largely on the potato industry.
Mike Tracy
President
Tracy Communications, Inc.
Boise

Yes, I believe Idaho is overcoming its “Potato State” image. But Idaho should be proud of its history.  
The Idaho potato represents what is great about America. Once a lowly vegetable farmed by settlers as a means to support them and develop the West, J.R. Simplot, a simple man with vision, guts and entrepreneurial spirit, transformed this vegetable into a multi-national, multi-billion-dollar industry providing thousands of jobs and creating wealth.
The direct result of this rags-to-riches story is the founding of Micron, another best-in-class, multi-national, multi-billion-dollar high-tech company.
We should not “overcome” the “Potato State” image but embrace it. The Idaho potato is known the world over as the best, which is an accurate description of Idaho as a whole.
Nick Brown
Account Executive,
Micros Point of Sale
RVP Systems
Boise