There's a familiar saying that comes to mind after reading the article about Hailey's rodeo property and creating local jobs: "Actions speak louder than words." This phrase has become too fitting in the Wood River Valley.
Our local economy is primarily real estate- and tourism-based, and we've been hit hard by the downturn. Local government talks about methods to support local business. Two years ago, there was an opportunity to demand local general contracting for Northwood Place, but it was awarded to Utah-based Okland Construction.
Recently, there was another example. The city of Hailey contracted a construction management firm from Boise to oversee the rodeo grounds redevelopment. Through a request for qualifications, Hailey solicited Idaho public works construction managers to submit qualifications. Five firms responded. Two were based in Boise, one in Utah and two from Hailey. Power Engineers was disqualified because it lacked proper state-required licensure.
This sheds light on the other Hailey firm that was not selected. Sfingi Group, not mentioned by the Mountain Express, met all requirements of the RFQ. Sfingi Group is an Idaho-licensed public works construction manager and has established a strong reputation in our community for budget and schedule control and enjoys positive relationships with local multi-stakeholder groups, including the YMCA and Sun Valley Center for the Arts.
Sfingi Group has years of experience with government contract management, acquisition, procurement and construction management. Since 2003, they have been intimately involved in over $2 billion in property development nationally and internationally on a variety of project types.
This firm pays local taxes, registers vehicles in Blaine County and eats and shops in local stores. Next time local government mentions vacant storefronts or the need to create local jobs, it should consider what decisions it makes when it has opportunities to act.
Matt Colesworthy
Sun Valley
