2018 Magic Valley Women in Business Awards

Michelle Miller

2018 Magic Valley Business Woman of the Year:

Michelle Miller -Arlo G Lott Trucking

Why nominate Michelle Miller as an extraordinary woman in the business world? Yes, she has an outgoing personality, a strong work ethic and she's generous with her time and means. She's understanding and selfless. But let me tell you more: Coming from a small community in Idaho, she grew up in a trucking family. Alongside her four brothers, she learned the value of work while washing trucks, tarping loads and cleaning offices. As a young girl, she left for Boise with the intent of going to business college but was hired instead by a trucking company as a dispatcher. When her Father moved his business to Jerome she returned to work with her family. Today she and her brother, Andy Lott, are co-owners of one of the area's most successful trucking companies, Arlo G. Lott Trucking. Beginning with just one truck they now have terminals in Washington, Nevada, Caldwell and Jerome. On a daily basis, she oversees 260 employees as 225 trucks move across the US and into Canada. Being a woman in a largely male-dominated industry has never been a detriment nor has it compromised her feminine side. Instead of her office, she prefers to work in a cubicle beside her dispatchers. Status and titles have never been important to her. She is also partnered with Leighton Transport, Arco Freight Brokerage, and a towing company called Big Tow. She is currently serving as the Chairman of the Idaho Trucking Association, a position to which only two other women have been nominated. This past year she organized the first and very successful Magic Valley Trade Show for the trucking industry in this area. For many years she has been on the Board of Directors for the Jerome Recreation District. She remains the supportive wife of her husband, Mike Miller, and together they own Prizm Express. She is the mother of two children, Challas and Chandler. She can be found most evenings relaxing on her small farm, tending to her flowers and checking her alfalfa field. Whether on a 4-wheeler changing water in her irrigating boots or conducting the Convention for the Idaho Trucking Association, she exemplifies the strength and the diversity of a woman. An extraordinary woman indeed.

Shellie Amundson

2018 Magic Valley Honorable Mention Business Woman of the Year:

Shellie Amundson - North Canyon Medical Center

As the Director of Community Relations at North Canyon Medical Center in Gooding, Idaho for the past 15 years, Shellie Amundson has become seasoned to the changing dynamics of healthcare and the impact those changes have on patients. In this role, Shellie fulfills the duties of Public Relations, Marketing, Event Planning, and is the liaison between the hospital and the communities which it serves. Shellie proudly serves on a variety of civic group organizations including Gooding Rotary, Gooding Urban Renewal Agency Board, and the Hagerman, Wendell and Gooding Chambers of Commerce. Over the past 15 years, Shellie has been involved in creating successful marketing strategies to open a new hospital in 2010, a new medical center in 2017, dissolve a taxing district and a variety of campaigns to bring awareness of expanding lines of services. While creating these strategies, Shellie has focused on telling the story of North Canyon Medical Center, instead of analyzing how to "market to" someone. Her success is attributed to speaking from the heart, telling the community who NCMC is, what they believe in, and what patients can expect when they come to the hospital. Shellie believes that she is not trying to sell something but rather, BE SOMETHING; a game changer in the world of healthcare. For Shellie, her greatest achievements are the relationships she has created with community members and the patients. She sees no difference between her professional self and her personal self. With a career she is passionate about, Shellie's two worlds have become one, and her personal mission has become a compliment of her professional mission. Unlike the traditional mindset of business professionals, Shellie focuses more on the impact the business has on the lives of people. She has an exceptional ability to recognize and understand the needs of others, and a passion to follow the path that focuses on that ability. She sees each day as an opportunity to live an impactful, meaningful life filled with passion, patience, and compassion for others.

Debbie Kytle

2018 Magic Valley Honorable Mention Business Woman of the Year:

Debbie Kytle, RN - St. Lukes

I nominate Debbie Kytle, RN the administrator who oversees all of the St. Luke's medical practices in Twin Falls for the 2018 Women in Business Award. St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center provides approximately 440,000 clinic visits per year--all of these are done through the St. Luke's Clinic for which Debbie is the administrator. Beyond her contribution to the business of medicine in the Magic Valley, she contributes daily to all of the lives of the caregivers who work on behalf of the patients at St. Luke's. Debbie also serves on the Board of Directors of the United Way Debbie has been instrumental in developing the cohesive, collaborative and interdependent care delivery processes across all specialties at St. Luke's. All of us at St. Luke's, as well as all of the patients who have benefitted from the care we deliver, are indebted to Debbie's tireless efforts in promoting this business in our community.

Ashley Frodin

2018 Magic Valley Emerging Business Woman of the Year:

Ashley Frodin - First Federal Savings Bank

If anyone in our community knows what hard work it is, it is Ashley Frodin. She is beyond passionate for her work. Her two beautiful daughters will not ever have to search far to find their female role model as Ashley embodies what we should all strive to be as women in business. Ashley is the marketing director at First Federal Savings Bank. Beyond her day to day duties she is extremely involved as the First Federal Foundation as a coordinator. She is extremely passionate about the Twin Falls community and hopes that the work the foundation does improves the lives of thousands of our friends and neighbors. Beyond that, it was her idea that initiated the First Federal Savings Bank Park to be built in 2015. The bank needed an idea on how to celebrate their 100th anniversary in the Magic Valley and Ashley came up with the idea for a full access park and saw this project all the way through from start to finish. It is her commitment to this community and to her family that makes her an outstanding woman in business.

Cari Eskridge

2018 Magic Valley Entrepreneur Business Woman of the Year:

Cari Eskridge - "I Do" Weddings and Events Idaho

Cari is an amazing businesswoman in the Magic Valley. She has been a business owner for over a decade helping unite people from all walks of life. Not only is she the owner, planner, and officiant for "I Do" Idaho Weddings and Events, she also helps her husband, Senate Eskridge Investment Advisor, run their financial firm as a Senior Marketing Director. She also coordinates events for the Merrett Center at CSI. Cari has a huge attitude to serve her community. She is always putting others first, whether it's for their big day or planning for retirement. No matter what she's doing, she is thinking of others. On top of owning two thriving businesses and working with CSI, she also volunteers with the National Alzheimer's Association, Rainbow Girls, Job's Daughters, and DeMolay. Cari also works closely with the local Chamber of Commerce. She does all of this while raising five teenagers. Cari Eskridge is an amazing example of a local and thriving business woman.

Pam Canoy

Pam Canoy - Idaho Central Credit Union

Pam Canoy is not only phenomenal at her job but she is also very dedicated to making a difference in her customers' lives. She cares about each person who walks through her office door and she will do absolutely whatever she can to help them with their home loan. It is rare that you find someone who cares so deeply about their customers. The appreciation I know so many feel for Pam is indescribable. She is an integral part of the ICCU Team. She is encouraging and supportive of members of her team and appreciates those who work with her. She shows daily that the best way to succeed is to support each other and the company goals. After the hard work she puts in at the office she goes home and often times helps her husband with his pool & spa business. Always staying busy to provide for her family, she is an inspiration to us all. Pam is the type of person that leaves a place and a person better than when she arrived because she gives so much light.

Mel Wilson

Mel Wilson - Goode Motor

Mel Wilson has been part of the Goode Motor family of dealerships for a few years, and recently took the Director of Fixed Operations and Service Manager position at Goode Motor Ford. She has pushed her team to achieve the highest monthly revenue in Goode Motor history on more than one occasion. She is a force to be reckoned with.

Marla Ruhter

Marla Ruhter - MLR Cleaning

It is my honor to nominate Marla Ruhter, because of her heartfelt dedication and willingness to do right by her family. Marla has not only started her own business, MLR Cleaning, but she is a dedicated mom and grandmother to boot. While many women are much more "qualified" for such a title, Marla ceased her education to raise her now-grown children and has proved that one can climb the ladder of success no matter what trials and obstacles arise. She is the true, "raw," outstanding, and honest image of a "Woman in Business". I feel like Marla is deserving not only because of her dedication but her work ethic as well. She is the absolute definition of "from the ground up". While many other boast a resume full of titles, Marla boasts love, compassion, dedication, honesty, commitment, and a sense of what working women truly are: Real.

Yolanda Cabello

Yolanda Cabello, BSN, RN - Family Health Services

I would like to nominate Yolanda Cabello BSN, RN of Family Health Services. Yolanda Cabello is the Director of Nursing at Family Health Services (FHS), in the Magic Valley. She has worked for Family Health Services for a total of 21 years. Yolanda oversees a nursing team that is comprised of every level of clinical roles. She manages RNs, LPNs, CMAs, MAs, CNAs and Care Management personnel. She is a leader and a mentor for many people at Family Health Services. Her nursing department is constantly improving day to day operations that impact patient care. Her leadership skills are highly valued when it comes to her staff and her contributions within administration. Yoli is continually looking for a more effective way to serve our employees and the community. Yoli brings a wealth of clinical, business and financial knowledge to Family Health Services. She works with local and state resources, private industry and various vendors to collaborate and usher in patient-focused programs that benefit the people in our community. She works side by side with people and organizations to better students, the public and community goals. Yoli is partners with several groups in the Magic Valley. She is a member of the Nursing Advisory Committee, College of Southern Idaho; the Hispanic Affairs Discussion Group, a Lance Clow initiative; and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Her continued effort to build relationships within the community is an attestation to her drive and leadership style. Congratulations for being a leading contributor in health care and our community!

Kris Ann Brown

Kris Ann Brown - Cactus Petes, Inc.

Kris Ann is the Communications and Public Relations Manager. She is instrumental in maintaining a strong community involvement between the Magic Valley and Cactus Petes, Inc. Her genuine warmth and caring spirit inspires our Team Members to give to our many charitable partners in the Magic Valley. Her impact in our business and to the Magic Valley is tremendous.

Carol Warr

Carol Warr - Idaho Water Sports

Carol is our heart and soul here at Idaho Water Sports! Carol has a love of our great Idaho outdoors! Carol selflessly gives her time and energy to local events and non-profit organizations like the Pomerelle Ski Patrol. She is a long time champion of "shop local" promotions and is involved in every Chamber of Commerce and community event that she can be. Carol and her husband Kent have raised a lovely family here in the Mini-Cassia area and their love of this community is evident whenever she talks about her Idaho home.

Cheyenne Suchan

Cheyenne Suchan, D.L. Evans Bank

I would like to nominate Cheyenne Suchan as an Inspiring Women in Business. Cheyenne began her career with D.L. Evans Bank in 2000 as a part-time teller and served as a teller, loan secretary, officer trainee, consumer loan officer and commercial loan officer before being promoted to vice president and manager of the Paul office in 2015. During her 18 years with the company, she has worked hard and dedicated herself to providing true customer service. She goes the extra mile to meet her customers before and after hours or even in the field to help them with their financing and planning. She is committed to helping local farmers and businesses start or expand their operations. Cheyenne also enjoys serving her community by being actively involved in organizations such as the Minidoka County 4H/FFA Livestock Sale Committee where she serves as Treasurer. She has been an active member and supporter of the 4-H and FFA programs for many years. Cheyenne is also an active volunteer for the Paul P.T.O. where she has served as the Co-Treasurer. She believes strongly in financial education and teaches middle school and high school students financial literacy courses in the Minidoka County school system. In addition to all of her banking and community commitments, she farms with her husband Russell Suchan and their three boys north of Paul on a third generation farm. Cheyenne is a dedicated employee who is committed to supporting the agricultural community that we love. We appreciate all of her efforts and are honored to nominate her.

Angela Hickmon

Angela Hickmon - Idaho Central Credit Union

I would like to nominate Angela Hickmon, Business Relationship Officer of the Magic Valley, at Idaho Central Credit Union. Angela Hickmon works diligently in her community to make a difference, as well as bring a smile to everyone's face. She is a member of the Jerome Chamber of Commerce, the Committee President of South Central Community Action Park Event, a Twin Falls Chamber ambassador, a Jerome 20/20 member, a Jerome Spirit Committee Member and has been a part of many other organizations and committees in the past. She also regularly volunteers at the Jubilee House, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. She was also a previous owner of Magic Valley Credit Repair, with a passion for helping the Magic Valley repair their credit and become financially successful. This career has led her into her current career path, where she helps local businesses and non-profits to achieve financial success, whether it's by financial guidance, saving them money, or just being a friend to lean on as they build their business. Angela is able to achieve all of this, while being a single mother, raising her two sons, a great friend, someone you can always call as a friend or colleague. Idaho Central Credit Union, her friends, and family are all lucky to have her in our lives. We are honored to nominate her for Magic Valley, Women in Business.

Kim Vega

Kim Vega- Director Marketing/Grants/Emergency Operations at Minidoka Memorial Hospital

At Minidoka Memorial Hospital, we have the privilege of working with many amazing people on a daily basis. The health care field is full of smart, talented professionals. Minidoka Memorial Hospital is a perfect example of that. There is one person in particular that continues to be a driving force in the success of Minidoka Memorial Hospital and the Mini-Cassia community. Her name is Kim Vega. In 2006 Kim joined the team at MMH. She received her BBA in Business Administration from Boise State in 2009. Kim quickly became the Director of Marketing as well as several other positions including Grant Writer, Director of Volunteer Services and a position that she has a genuine passion for as the Emergency Preparedness Liaison. She immediately put her skills to work for MMH with brand marketing, making a huge difference in how the community began to see Minidoka Memorial Hospital. As Grant Writer, Kim was able to secure many grants that helped with capital projects that kept Minidoka Memorial Hospital's equipment the best available for patient care. Kim was also able to secure funding to assist in the purchase of new ambulances that are truly the lifeline into the community. In 2013, Minidoka County officials saw the value, passion and commitment that Kim had for being prepared in case of a disaster and offered her the position of County Emergency Manager. Working with the hospital and Minidoka County, Kim once again stepped to the plate in her additional position. In 2017, Kim's skills and training were put to the test with the major flooding throughout the county. Kim, with the help of other local emergency entities, was able to organize, prioritize and activate a full-scale plan to assist those who were directly affected by the flooding. Through this collaborative effort with Minidoka County, the State of Idaho, FEMA and concerned residents, a plan was put into place to achieve the goal of being prepared in an emergency. Kim oversaw the 18-month revision project for Minidoka County's all-hazard Mitigation Plan that consisted of working with local, state and Federal officials from start to end. Kim's actions were stellar and well respected within the community. She is also no stranger to community service. For ten years, Kim was responsible for Minidoka Memorial Hospital's Bike Safety program that provided over 2000 bike helmets free of charge to children in the Mini-Cassia area. She organized a bike decorating day held just before the City of Rupert's 4th of July celebration which allowed kids to ride in the parade with their new helmet and decorated bike. Kim is a dedicated employee at Minidoka Memorial Hospital, friend to many and well deserving of the Women in Business Award.

Lori Fletcher

Lori Fletcher - McCain Foods USA, Inc. - Burley

Lori Fletcher became the energetic and dedicated Safety Manager at McCain Foods in 2008, but that was hardly the start of Lori's career with McCain Foods. Lori started her career with what was then Ore-Ida back in January of 1979. Lori worked her way up through the ranks holding positions such as General Laborer, Quality Assurance Grader, and Quality Assurance Lead. Eventually, Lori earned a management spot and through the years she held positions such as Production Supervisor, Processing Supervisor, Packaging Supervisor, and Sanitation Supervisor. In March of 1999, Lori was awarded a position as a Corporate Q.A. Supervisor where she continued to rise through the ranks and travel the world. If a busy career with McCain Foods was not enough, Lori was also attending college through the College of Southern Idaho and then later Idaho State University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management Training. In 2008, Lori decided she was ready for a new challenge and she accepted the Safety Manager position. As the Safety Manager, Lori has been responsible for significantly improving the safety culture at McCain Foods. Lori has created and rolled out multiple safety programs, trainings and games. Every year she speaks at the Magic Valley Safety Fest to share what she has learned through the years. During the years that Lori has been the safety manager, McCain Foods has become a safer place to work. Lori also volunteers in the community including volunteering for the Civil Air Patrol and she is one of the founding members of the Therapy Pets Serving Mini-Cassia. In 2003, Lori Fletcher along with Lori Kreider started visiting with their dogs to improve people's quality of life through positive interactions with well-behaved animals. The group grew and was later named Therapy Pets Serving Mini-Cassia. Over the years the faces and the animals have changed, but Lori has been a constant in the group. She is one of the certified evaluators and she does regular visits to facilities such as Cassia Regional Hospital, Highland Estates, Parke View Rehabilitation & Care Center, and Countryside Care and Rehabilitation. But for Lori family is always first. Lori and James Fletcher have three wonderful children and ten busy grandchildren and ash; not to mention a menagerie of cats, dogs, and horses. Lori's impressive career and her even more impressive drive to raise her family, complete her education, and progress within in her company more than qualify her for a nomination for Women in Business.

Jana Kenyon

Jana Kenyon - Fred Kenyon Repair

Jana is the true heart and soul of Fred Kenyon Repair. From her warm smile when she greets our customers as they come into her never-ending supply of baked goods we couldn't do what we do without her. She is always there for employees or customers no matter what. She leads by example and is a ray of sunshine in our day. She manages our office and advises us when we are struggling with anything. Several customers stop in regularly just to see her. The best partner I could ask for.

Mandi Riddle

Mandi Riddle - Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Mandi Riddle is a successful businesswoman. She is a Broker/ Co-Owner of BBHS Idaho Homes and Properties, Property Manager/Owner of Riddle Properties LLC, and Partner of Putter's Mini Golf and Hawaiian Shaved Ice. Mandi is a true professional and always gives 110 percent.

Donna Okarma

Donna Okarma - Rudy's - A Cook's Paradise

It is my pleasure to nominate Donna Okarma for the Woman in Business award in the Magic Valley. Donna is the general manager of "Rudy's - A Cook's Paradise" in downtown Twin Falls. Ms. Okarma has guided Rudy's since its inception in 2002 and was instrumental in creating Rudy's monthly "First Friday" live music event as well as various cooking classes, wine and beer tastings, and the famous "Wine Between the Lines" book club. Donna is also responsible for the contribution of numerous gift baskets to charitable organizations throughout the Magic Valley. Donna is a nationally respected business leader in the field of Gourmet retail stores and is a solid supporter of Downtown Twin Falls and the entire Magic Valley.

Stephanie Curtis

Stephanie Curtis

Cassia Regional Hospital

It is hard to think of someone who exemplifies what women in business should be more than Stephanie Curtis. Since 2010, Stephanie has constantly worked to build professional relationships with community organizations as the Communications Manager at Cassia Regional Hospital. But this was not her start in business because in 2000 Stephanie started her own business in her garage in Boise, and that business continued to grow to the point that she had 25 employees. What I admire most is the absolutely staggering amount of volunteer work and community outreach that she does week in and week out. Stephanie currently is the First Vice-Chair of the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce. She started with the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce when she attended the Chamber's Leadership Program in 2015. After that, she volunteered to co-chair the 2016 Chamber Leadership Program and joined the Chamber Ambassadors. In 2017, she was elected to the Board of Directors of the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie is also an incredibly gifted singer, and she has lent her vocal skills and talents to various organizations including the Mt. Harrison Heritage Foundation's production of Into the Woods. Not to mention, she rocked out in the Historic Wilson Theater's production of Total Eclipse of the Heart: A Musical Tribute to Love in the 80's. What Stephanie is probably most proud of is her family. Stephanie married Carey Curtis twelve years ago and together they have four boys. And in May of 2017, Stephanie became the proud grandmother of the adorable Sophia. These short paragraphs only give a couple of reasons and don't even begin to scratch the surface as to why Stephanie should be nominated for Women in Business.

Kansas Guthrie

Kansas Guthrie - Community Relations Director - Canyons Retirement Community

I would like to nominate Kansas Guthrie for this award because of her dedication and passion in all that she does. She is the Community Relations Director for Canyons Retirement Community and has done an outstanding job ensuring that the residents who come to live there feel welcome and at home. She is very personable and genuinely loves what she is doing...you can see it and feel it when you meet her. Kansas also serves on the Snake River Juvenile Diversion Board and helps our troubled youth get back on track and see everything from a perspective of someone who "has been there" and just needs a little guidance. This is a volunteer position that she takes very seriously as she knows it takes a village to raise our youth and sometimes the advice from a third party goes a lot further than that of a parent.

Cortney Campbell

Cortney Campbell - Event Sales

She is a very inspirational person in the area of business. She is a very positive person and encourages her employees and others to reach their potential and not give up. She is a very kind person and has great customer service. Cortney goes the extra mile and goes out of her way to help others feel special. I am nominating Cortney because our world needs women like Cortney to encourage young women to accomplish their dreams and desires in the area of business. Thank you.

Linda Watkins

Linda Watkins - Executive Director: Twin Falls Education Foundation

What an honor it is to nominate Linda, aka my mom! She is a woman who is always willing to give back to her community and brings so much energy to every project and event that she puts together. She goes above and beyond for any organization, or individual, that reaches out to her. She makes each person that crosses her path feel valued and heard and is able to see beyond the 'business' level, to the human level, which makes all of her interactions more meaningful. Her three passions are children, education, and her community and she has made huge strides to make Twin Falls the best it can be. Her commitment to educators is something that is unparalleled, as she knows all the sacrifices they make and how hard they work. With her introduction of the Teacher of the Month program and the creation of the Red Apple Gala, she is constantly working to make sure educators are recognized for their service. She was also instrumental in bringing funds to expand our school system, helping to get new elementary, middle and high schools, which has made for an elevated educational experience for thousands of children. It has also made for a fun cross-town high school rivalry! She brought the Cow P.I.E. challenge to Twin Falls, which has brought so many people together to celebrate community and raise funds for various organizations. Her work on the Idaho Community Foundation has also brought Twin Falls to the forefront as a leader in the education sector. She sees the growth in the community and wants to make sure we have a voice as the state makes decisions on our future. She also understands the role of technology in our children's future, which is why she is constantly applying for tech grants to get the latest and greatest tools in our classrooms. There is no one in Twin Falls who works harder for our kids and our educators, and her work will continue to pay dividends for many years to come. She is selfless, hardworking, and kind, and Twin Falls is lucky to have such an amazing woman working for their community. If you have had the pleasure of meeting her, none of this will come as a surprise. She probably greeted you with a smile and a hug and left you with a feeling of joy and hope. We are all lucky to know Linda!

Lisa Paulos

Lisa Paulos - Stratus Communication

Lisa Paulos (Collins) is a force in our community. As a part of Stratus Global Partners, she has created Stratus Communication and brought the ability for companies to advertise regionally and nationwide. Her fun-loving personality draws people in and her professionalism is unmatched. She has helped numerous business, non-profits, and charities promote their events and sales during her time at Stratus. Not only does she take pride in her work but she does everything she can to ensure her clients are happy and taken care of. Clients will praise her work and speak so highly of a job well done. Those who work with Lisa always recommend her to other. She is a fantastic businesswoman and an outstanding person.

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Michelle Miller

Michelle Miller

Shellie Amundson

Shellie Amundson

Debbie Kytle

Debbie Kytle

Ashley Frodin

Ashley Frodin

Cari Eskridge

Cari Eskridge

Pam Canoy

Pam Canoy

Mel Wilson

Mel Wilson

Marla Ruhter

Yolanda Cabello

Yolanda Cabello

Kris Ann Brown

Kris Ann Brown

Carol Warr

Carol Warr

Cheyenne Suchan

Cheyenne Suchan

Angela Hickmon

Angela Hickmon

Kim Vega

Kim Vega

Lori Fletcher

Lori Fletcher

Jana Kenyon

Jana Kenyon

Mandi Riddle

Mandi Riddle

Donna Okarma

Stephanie Curtis

Stephanie Curtis

Kansas Guthrie

Cortney Campbell

Linda Watkins

Linda Watkins

Lisa Paulos

Lisa Paulos

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