About Us:
REDI was created in 2015 as the lead regional economic development organization in Eastern Idaho - covering 16-counties in Southeast and East Idaho. The mission of REDI is to deliver economic development programs and services that foster a business-friendly environment; support business retention, expansion, and recruitment; provide workforce development, education, training, and recruitment in support of unlimited career opportunities for our citizens; increase entrepreneurship and research activities; and build community and regional partnerships that strategically enriches Eastern Idaho’s competitive position and the lives of Eastern Idaho’s citizens.
Our Vision and Mission:
The vision of REDI is to be the leader in building regional assets, diversify Eastern Idaho's economy, and to provide the greatest opportunities for transformative growth.
The mission of REDI is to deliver services and programs that foster a regional business friendly environment; provide unlimited career opportunities to our citizens; build and strengthen partnerships; and enrich Eastern Idaho's competitive position.
REDI brings together business, industry, city, county, academic, and community leaders to capitalize on Eastern Idaho's assets through investment, accelerated job growth, diversifying Eastern Idaho's economy, and matching existing workforce skillsets, infrastructure, and research capabilities to meet the needs of our region.
REDI drives a regional framework and vision based on data to propel growth and strategically align requirements for a strong economy that is adaptable and able to sustain long periods of economic growth, mitigate periods of economic decline, and build upon the strengths of Eastern Idaho.
REDI promotes regional business retention, expansion, and recruitment to target areas of Eastern Idaho’s economy where competitive advantages exists, prospects for future growth are the greatest, and return on investment is highest to capitalize on Eastern Idaho’s strong economic ecosystem.
This is Eastern Idaho! This is Power of Place!
Teresa McKnight is the CEO of REDI. Her work at REDI is centered on creating economic growth, engaging leaders, communicating, and marketing the opportunities created by Eastern Idaho's regional assets, and sharing our successes to attract public and private investments. As CEO of REDI, Teresa works closely with regional partners to promote economic development through the retention, expansion, and attraction of new business; enhancement of workforce education, training, and recruitment; and promoting research and entrepreneurial activities in Eastern Idaho - and beyond.
McKnight is an entrepreneurial driven executive with more than 25-years' experience building and cultivating economic and entrepreneurial ecosystems that promote vitality, attracts top talent, and creates new and meaningful opportunities for economic and social development. She has a strong background in the development of Innovation Districts across the U.S., building public-public and public-private partnerships, consulting on strategic economic development and philanthropy initiatives, and moving new ideas to market. She is passionate about building long-lasting relationships between business, industry, university, government, and community.
Prior to joining REDI, Teresa served as the Director of the State of Utah Incubation Enterprise and Technology Outreach Program. She led the development of the first statewide incubation program in Utah and negotiated the first-of-its-kind Partnership Agreement between the State of Utah and the U.S. Air Force. Prior to working for the State of Utah, Teresa led the development of several large Innovation Districts in three different states that resulted in the development of more than 500 acres, recruiting over 100 high-tech companies, creating more than 3500 high-tech jobs, and raising over $250 million in public and private dollars.
Teresa has received several honors and awards, including Excellence in Rural Economic Development Award from the Department of Commerce in Washington, DC, and the Chamber of Commerce Achievement Award in Business.
She serves on several state and national boards and councils and is a member of national associations focused on tech-based economic development. She earned a Bachelors in Business Administration from Utah State University and an MBA from Utah Valley University.
Administrative Assistant
Abigail Murphy
Abigail Murphy serves as the Administrative Assistant at Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI). Originally from Seattle, she has made Southeast Idaho her home for the past five years. In July 2022, Abigail earned her bachelor's in business marketing from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She is thrilled to be part of Team REDI and to contribute to the economic development of Eastern Idaho, a region she is so fond of.
Executive Board
Officers
Executive Board Members
Join REDI Today!
Investing with REDI creates sustainable regional economic growth, promotes equitable economic development, and enhances job creation for Eastern Idaho. Our Investors represent a diverse group of public and private sectors throughout the Eastern Idaho Region (covering both southeast and east Idaho).
REDI holds a variety of meetings throughout the year focused on areas impacting Eastern Idaho's regional workforce, business expansion, retention and recruitment, education, research and entrepreneurial activities, economic reports, and regional activities.
REDI also hosts several events throughout the year - Eastern Idaho Economic Summit, Workforce Connector, Housing Symposium, US Patent & Trademark Event, and REDI's "What's Up Eastern Idaho!" Annual Conference, just to name a few.
REDI publishes reports to brief Investors on the business scene at the state and regional levels, and report REDI's regional accomplishments and successes to-date. In addition, REDI oversees a National Marketing Campaign to promote Eastern Idaho, sends out economic reports, prospective employee & trailing spouse resumes, and timely emails to keep Investors on the inside track of activities affecting Eastern Idaho.
REDI’s programs, events, and reports are funded through the generous donations of our Investors – our Partners. REDI is a non-profit organization, meaning all donations are tax deductible as a charitable donation. Your support provides a tax-deductible way to invest in the future and economic strength of our region.
Join REDI's growing list of Investors – leaders who are making an impact throughout Eastern Idaho – addressing the needs of our Investors, and our region, and bringing their expertise, resources, and innovative ideas to the table. Investing in REDI is an opportunity to shape the economic future of Eastern Idaho. Your support directly impacts the creation of high-quality jobs, the development of a skilled and thriving workforce, and the economic vitality of Eastern Idaho. By investing, you join a community of forward-thinking leaders dedicated to driving innovation and prosperity in the region.
Contact Teresa McKnight, CEO of REDI, at tmcknight@rediconnects or by phone at (208) 522-2014/office or (406) 580-7002/mobile, to learn more about REDI's Investor Levels and Benefits and how you can get involved in fostering Eastern Idaho's economic success!