Hello and happy May Twin! The Magic Valley has made some headlines extending beyond just Idaho over the past month thanks to a mighty popular coffee chain location. Additionally, radio has befriended sports betting, and we have more on the fallout from the April fire in downtown Twin that’s still giving nearby businesses more to think about. Let’s recap it all!

Twin Falls Business News

Bridgeview Starbucks File to Unionize

Amazon and Apple aren’t the only ones contending with labor union tensions. Employees at Starbucks store #22434 on Bridgeview Boulevard have officially filed with the National Labor Relations Board. If accepted, it would be the first Starbucks location in Idaho to unionize.

Solar Energy Boom in Twin?

Construction just off of Highway 93 is already underway for Jackpot Solar, an enormous solar farm that will be the largest utility-scale project in the state. Located just south of Rogerson, its whopping 950 acres are hoping to fully operational by 2023. And yes, that means jobs, with Idaho Power reporting as many as 200 positions expected to be filled.

Radio Rondevoo Fire Still Felt by Neighboring Businesses

April 12 saw the destruction of one of Twin Falls’ most historic buildings, the 82-year-old Radio Rondevoo. With the cause of the fire still unknown, many nearby businesses have been struck by the fragility of some of downtown’s older buildings.

Radio, Media & Business

The Relationship Between Work and Listening to Radio

Civic Science just released insightful data on radio listenership as the pandemic begins to slow. Key figures include 34% reporting that they listen less, surely a side effect of reduced work-from-home scheduling. However, a combined 40% of those surveyed said they either listened to the radio more, or listened live via online streaming more. The early morning hours of 6 AM through 9 AM still reign supreme for listenership.

The Difficulties of Advertising

Forbes published a terrific piece detailing four aspects of what makes great advertising so difficult. The analysis on shifting markets, a boom in advertising avenues, impetuous decisions and “certainty fixation” offer  helpful blend of past analysis and forward-thinking data for any small business owner.

Radio the Latest Medium to Embrace Sports Betting

Three companies have united to launch SmartRadio. Created by ConnectedTravel LLC, Radioline, and SimpleBet, the technology service will allow sports fans tuned into play-by-play radio broadcast, to place sports bets in real-time. The service is completely voice-operated to ensure safety. It will be compatible with Google’s Android Automotive System.

Inflation: The Battle of Small vs. Big Businesses

According to Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices Survey, a whopping 80% of Small Business owners report that inflation has hurt their operation’s financial health. CBS News dissects how inflation and supply chain shortages have only worsened the problem of small businesses competing with big ones to add or retain employees - not to mention, make sales goals.

Talk about Spring kicking off with a bang! We’ll see you again here in June, but in the meantime, Iliad Media group is growing - both our client list, and our team. So if you or someone you know has a small business that wants to work in tandem with our smart, fun, caring crew, let’s talk.