Six weeks into the position of President and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber, Bobbi-Jo Meuleman took time to talk with Boise Lifestyle. Bobbi-Jo’s passion for the Treasure Valley and its well-being is clear and contagious.
Building on her 20-year career in public service, which she began right out of college, Bobbi-Jo’s work has spanned from staff positions with a U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative in Washington, D.C. to her Idaho public service work in two Governor’s offices and in the role of Idaho Department of Commerce Director. Bobbi-Jo knows her way around state and national government.
When asked about leaving government work, Bobbi-Jo shared that she was “intrigued by the opportunity to get to work directly with the business sector in the Treasure Valley – to lead an organization that works with the wonderful businesses here in the Treasure Valley. This position lets me participate in and support working with the community which is exciting. Working on relationships with local businesses and governmental entities and being a part of business advocacy is a critical part of this work. What I really like about this job is that I get to bring together all the aspects I've enjoyed during my 20-year career to keep the Treasure Valley a great place to live.”
Bobbi-Jo is asking big questions about what needs to be done to help Treasure Valley businesses succeed. Thus far, she’s identified business needs tied to much-needed investments in infrastructure, transportation, and education. Bobbi-Jo says: “Everyone needs to be at the table to explore how to address the needs of the present and the future.”
While working with Chamber staff, Bobbi-Jo describes her approach this way. “I want to empower my people and to have a team that feels empowered to do their jobs. I’m not a micromanager. I want people to feel that they have the autonomy and tools to be able to do their jobs successfully. I believe in collaboration and communication. Open lines of communication are vital to me.”
Bobbi-Jo also shared that “the Chamber is a great organization with great members and a great board. People come together to share knowledge, to build the community, and to do good things for the Treasure Valley. This work is not really about me. It’s about the organization and the members. I’m a doer. I want to ensure that we keep this wonderful organization strong and thriving to keep the Treasure Valley a place that people want to live.”
Bobbi-Jo grew up in Montana. She and her husband met in Washington, D.C. where he was working for an elected official from Idaho which prompted their move here nearly 15 years ago.
“What I really like about this job is that I get to bring together all the aspects I've enjoyed during my 20-year career to keep the Treasure Valley a great place to live.”