About Us

• Economic Development History:

Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, Inc. (SICOG) was organized as a non-profit corporation and also designated as an Economic Development District in 1972. The purposes listed in the original documents reflect our goals and objectives in 2011; (a) study the area and governmental problems and public service needs of mutual interest and concern; (b) coordinate the comprehensive planning efforts of the several members; (c) coordinate existing public service activities in terms of financial resources, equipment, human resources and human development; (d) formulate recommendations for review and action by members of the Association and to encourage action by the Idaho Legislature, agencies of State and local governments and agencies of the Federal government to implement both plans and coordinated activities of the members severally and individually; (e) improve the regional economy by striving for adequate employment opportunities, prosperous agriculture, wise utilization of natural and human resources and adequate processing, marketing and transportation facilities for the total area; (f) furnish general and technical aid to member governments and individuals, as they request, to promote and accomplish projects, policies and plans; and (g) to accomplish these purposes and functions as outlined in the bylaws.

SICOG has history of gathering stakeholders, decision makers and professionals together to meet the broadening needs of our communities. As a non-profit, our focus is to offer cost-effective solutions to area-wide problems; provide a forum for local policy development; assist in community planning, program management and business assistance; and to serve as a coordinating link between the cities, county, state, federal, and other area-wide agencies to make sure the community is adequately represented and protected.

• Mission:

"The Southeast Idaho Council of Governments improves the quality of life for Southeast Idaho residents by cooperatively assessing, planning, developing and implementing public services."

SICOG exists to serve the Cities and Counties of Southeast Idaho.

1. Any municipal corporation
2. Any Board of County Commissioners
3. Soil and Water Conservation District
4. Other geo-political entities and the following
5. Any executive director of a Chamber of Commerce
6. A representative of post secondary education
7. A representative from a labor group
8. One Private Sector representative

We, The Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, Inc., is created for the following purposes:

1. study area and governmental problems and public service needs of mutual interest and concern;
2. coordinate the existing public service activities in terms of financial resources, equipment, human resources and human development;
3. formulate recommendation for review and action by members of the Council and to encourage action by the Idaho Legislature, agencies of state and local governments and agencies of the Federal Government to implement both plans and coordinate activities of the members separately and individually;
4. improve the regional economy by striving for adequate employment opportunities, prosperous agriculture, wise utilization of natural and human resources and adequate processing, marketing and transportation facilities for the total area;
5. furnish general and technical aid to member governments and individuals, as they request, to promote and accomplish projects, policies and plans
6. and to accomplish those purposes and functions as outlined in the bylaws;
7. to do all things necessary, convenient or incidental to its purposes;
8. this district shall not supersede or replace any of the existing public or political jurisdictions or bodies.
• Qualifications:

The extensive knowledge and education of the team ensures successful services related to development and planning, management assistance, and other key activities. Susan Lorenz, SICOG's Economic Development Director, is an experienced project developer who has been with the organization for 11 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Organizational Management, a Master's in Public Administration, and is a graduate of the Northwest Community Development Institute. Susan consistently participates in annual training seminars and conferences to increase skills pertinent to community development programs. She is a certified grant administrator and is the project leader.

Tricia Mitchell is a highly effective administrator and provides monitoring, research, facilitation and problem solving. Tricia holds a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Communication and Rhetorical Studies. She is also a certified grant administrator with the State of Idaho, and has worked closely with USDOL to resolve compliance issues pertaining to Davis-Bacon and related Labor Acts. Tricia has superb organizational skills, and is aware of all the complex interrelated tasks necessary to get any job done. She has been with SICOG for one year.

Holly Batten, our newest team member, serves as a grant assistant to both Susan and Tricia. She comes to us with a Bachelor's of Science in Political Science and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. Prior to her employment with SICOG, she successfully completed an eight month internship with the City of Pocatello's Department of Planning and Development Services.