Idaho Business Review announces Accomplished Under 40

Age is an age-old conundrum. It is the measure for driving, patriotism, voting and drinking spirits, and wisdom – these days, you can sign up for the American Association of Retired Persons at 50. It has been a polarizing matter – Jerry Rubin once said, “Don’t trust anyone over 30.” Age has even been a source of humor – according to Mark Twain, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

Or does it? In today’s business world, more and more professionals are getting serious about their careers and garnering the accolades of success at a younger age. For 12 years, the Idaho Business Review has been celebrating 40 men and women in Idaho annually. They are all under the age of 40.

“These are talented young professionals who represent a generation that is shaping our state, our image and our expectations,” Idaho Business Review President and Publisher Sean Evans said.

This year, the IBR’s 2011 Accomplished Under 40, were once again nominated and chosen by a panel of their peers. Here are the numbers: There were 187 nominees out of 213 nominations (some were multiple nominations). From that number, 91 entered the judging process. The 10-member selection panel of peers was comprised of past Accomplished Under 40 recipients from 2003 to 2010. They looked at four categories: professional accomplishments, leadership skills, community involvement and long-term goals and gave a ranking from 1 to 5 in each one.

It was a difficult process said Isaac Squyres, partner at the Gallatin Group and 2007 award recipient. Mahmood U. Sheikh, deputy executive director for the Idaho State Bar and Idaho Law Foundation, also was on the selection panel.

“What impressed me the most in reviewing the applications was that all the applicants had defined, genuine accomplishments with regards to leadership and community involvement,” Sheikh said. “These individuals are actively involved for the right reasons and not just to impress their peers, to hear praises from those they are helping, or to receive an award. They truly are civic-minded leaders working daily to achieve results which in turn enhances our communities. It speaks volumes of the individuals who are receiving this award because all the applicants were talented, passionate individuals doing their part as exemplary citizens.”

Sheikh, who received the award in 2007 when he worked as the assistant athletic director for regional development at the University of Idaho, said he knows what an honor it is.

“This award was a huge part of my professional life that year,” he said.

Evans said this year’s list was indicative of the overall talent in Idaho.

“We are fortunate to have so many serious, dedicated people in our state. They bring growth and spirit to our companies, law firms, hospitals and other organizations and through their efforts they also positively affect our communities. We are lucky to have them.”

The Idaho Business Review, along with sponsors University of Idaho, Sterling Savings Bank and Boise Young Professionals, will honor the 2011 Accomplished Under 40 at an event at the Boise Centre, Tuesday, June 14. The event includes a networking reception and awards dinner, tickets are $60; $70 after June 1. A special pullout magazine featuring their profiles will be published in the June 17 issue of IBR. For information visit here.

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2011 Accomplished Under 40 honorees:

Jared Bell, Butte Fence, Inc

Matt Bell, St. Luke’s Health Systems

Shelley Bennett, Brix and Company

Kae D. Cameron , Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce

Becky diVittorio, Business Psychology Associates

Leif Elgethun, E-Newables

Wayne Ellis, ACS, A Xerox Company

James L. Escobar, neUdesign Architecture & Construction and Hub of Healing

Stacy Freeburn Falkner, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest

Michelle Groenevelt, City of McCall

Erin Guerricabeitia, Boise Urban Garden School

Johanna C. L. Hale, JR Simplot Company

Teresa A. Hill, Stoel Rives LLP

Jessica Holmes, Jessica Holmes Copywriting & Story Story Night

Patrick A. Hunter, Hewlett-Packard

Bryon D. Knight, Northwest Nazarene University

Anne C. Kunkel, Givens Pursley LLP

Elsa MacDonald, CTAI (Community Transportation Association of Idaho)

Jay Mentzer, Treasure Valley Transit

Becky Morris, Washington Trust Bank

Genesis Nelson Milam, Anytime Fitness

Jennifer L. Poole, State of Idaho Industrial Commission/Boise State University/ Treasure Valley YMCA and Empowered Fitness

Thomas Aaron Ricks, Avenge, Inc. / Idaho National Guard

Travis W. Ruby, Ada County Sheriff’s Office

Jason Russell, Catalyst, Inc.

Andrew D. Sapp, Ph.D., Cherry Gulch

John Michael Schert, Trey McIntyre Project

Moya Shatz, Idaho Wine Commission

Corey Smith, Tribute Media, Inc.

Jason E. Smith, University of Phoenix

Nicole Snyder, Holland & Hart LLP

Jennifer Stevens, Stevens Historical Research Associates

Bradley W. Stith, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney – The Riedel Miles Group

Dr. Bryan Taylor, Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office

Dr. Allison Jeanne Lindholm Touchstone, University of Idaho

Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, University of Idaho / Integrated Design Lab

Christina Moore Ward, Keller Williams Realty Boise

Dr. Heather Williams, Gooding Jt. School District #231

Kendra Witt, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health

Christopher Michael Zahn, Zee Catering & Floral Design/Corks 4 a Cure / Arid Club