Idaho National Laboratory
In operation since 1949, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's missions in nuclear and energy research, science, and national defense. The mission of INL is to ensure the nation's energy security with safe, competitive, and sustainable energy systems and unique national and homeland security capabilities. By 2015, INL will be the pre-eminent nuclear energy laboratory with synergistic, world-class, multi-program capabilities and partnerships.
Besides the scientific mission, INL is dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community and region. They do this through several activities including the following: 1) Team INL is an employee-driven volunteer program supporting causes in the communities where INL employees live, 2) They help educate the next generation of scientists and engineers by increasing engagement in science and math in public classrooms, 3) Corporate funds are used for philanthropic projects that focus on civic and community causes, health and human services, and arts and culture, 4) INL partners with organizations to help bring new economic vitality to the community, and translating science and technology into new businesses and employment growth, and 5) INL scientists and engineers offer technical skills and Lab resources to the community which is not normally available without a fee. 
INL has supported Teton Regional Land Trust in a variety of ways. They have provided volunteer support for our 20th anniversary picnic in 2010 through their summer internship program. They also sponsored the creation of our Songs from the Land CD, a collection of musical songs to celebrate the land and benefit Teton Regional Land Trust. Finally, they are active business members providing support for protection and restoration of lands in the Upper Snake River Watershed.
“Our partnership with Teton Regional Land Trust is very important for not only our employees who recreate and appreciate the land in our region but also for the information that we receive on sustainability and conservation,” said Amy Lientz, Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs. “It is wonderful that successful businesses in Eastern Idaho like Idaho National Laboratory feel it is important to focus on charitable activities outside of their main mission,” said Bonnie Self, Teton Regional Land Trust Operations Director. “Collaboration with the private sector is important to finding regional solutions to problems that no one business, county or state can resolve alone.” ■
Silver Star Communications Caring for Community
On a snowy spring day in 2010, twelve Teton Valley nonprofit organization representatives gathered to accept their Caring for Community grants. Teton Regional Land Trust was honored to be one of the recipients that ranged from health and human services, education and conservation. During that day, Jennifer Brannen, Silver Star Marketing Manager, stated, “I’m proud to be a part of a local company that supports our community in so many ways, one of which being this program. We believe in the work that our local nonprofits do to maintain a healthy community.”
Silver Star Communications has been generously providing funds to the communities it serves for over sixty years. The business strongly believes in supporting and giving back to the organizations that work to make our communities healthy, sustainable places to live and work.
Silver Star Communications accepts applications for the Caring for Community donation program annually. Silver Star’s Social Mission is to lead by example and support organizations whose mission it is to sustain the unique character of our community for future generations. The donations range from $25 to $2000 depending on the project scope and impact with a total granted over $100,000 since the program began in 2004, of which $50,000 has been distributed in Teton Valley.
Teton Regional Land Trust received its most recent grant to help purchase a plotter which is available to any local nonprofit organizations or government. Silver Star has also provided grants for our conservation planning program and environmental education. In addition, Silver Star has generously sponsored our annual picnic through a separate program.
“Silver Star Communications goes above and beyond their calling as a local business. They provide donations, sponsorships, volunteer service and scholarships and are constantly working to be a sustainable business. We are lucky to have them in our community,” said Bonnie Self, Operations Director at Teton Regional Land Trust. Thank you Silver Star Communications for helping us protect and restore critical lands in the Upper Snake River Watershed! ■
Songs From the Land
