State Farm insurance, founded in 1922, has served the residents of Emmett since the 1950’s. In 1993 Mike Taylor was being considered for an office of his own and found his ‘home’ in Emmett. Last week State Farm celebrated another milestone opening their new office in an exquisitely remodeled 1912 house.

“I started out as an adjuster in Nampa in 1987,” said Taylor. “The company sent me to work on a disaster, Hurricane Andrew, in 1991. They said I was so good that they wanted to send me on every storm. I didn’t think that was for me and became an agent. In 1993, there were three offices available; Eagle, Weiser and Emmett. All the choices were good but I was chosen for Emmett which was perfect. It fits my personality.”

Taylor grew up in Eastern Idaho and attended BSU. He worked at Micron and managed a bowling alley where he met his wife, Coleen.

“When I took over State Farm our office was on Commercial Ave next to the barber shop,” said Taylor. “We moved to Washington Ave and were there for 12 years. We watched this property and eventually purchased it. I must say that it was a long process but everyone involved was great. The (Emmett) Planning Department really helped us get through all the processes. When it came time to look at parking, our neighbor here, Maria Hawk owner of Pet Corral, helped out tremendously to accommodate our parking requirements. George Holomshek stuck it out with us through delays and did a great job on construction. My wife designed and painted everything. It really is a great space and is a better configuration for us. We have a lot of people come in and say they used to live here.”

According to the State Farm website, State Farm, a mutual company, is owned by its policyholders. They have more than 65,000 employees and more than 18,000 Agents servicing 81 million policies and accounts throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“People are loyal to State Farm,” said Taylor. “State Farm was founded because farmers weren’t being treated fairly with annual policies. State Farm invented the 6-month premium. In 10 years from its founding it became the largest insurance company in the country. We insure 1 in 4 cars. People usually come in for auto insurance first. We are very competitive. State Farm offers all types of insurance and financial products. We are a bank and have a lot of clients that purchase CD’s in this area. I invite you to see the new office and meet with the team; Leah Tucker, Cameron Taylor and Megan Taylor.”

State Farm, Mike Taylor Insurance Agency, 820 S Washington Ave, 365-2472, www.MikeTaylorInsurance.com.

Business is booming on the “Bench” with the recent Grand Opening of Webb Appliance’s new location and the addition of All Wrapped Up Gifts to the corner of Washington Ave. and Idaho Blvd.

Grant Webb, owner of Webb Appliance, started the business full-time in 2007 shortly after graduating from high school. In just six years, with lots of hard work and dedication, a marriage (2011), and two kids later, Webb purchased the building at the new location adding a fabulous newly decorated showroom.

“I can’t believe how far we’ve come since I first started,” said Webb. “Now we own a building and have this great fully functioning business with a new and used appliance showroom. My wife, Allyssa has the kids at the store so we have regular hours and also added two employees. Our new products are the same or better prices than even the big-box stores and we offer free installation and haul-off on new purchases. We do it all when it comes to appliances, service, repair and sales plus we offer 6 month or one year warranties on all appliances.” 

The Webb Appliance showroom features new washer/dryers, refrigerators, stoves and more as well as parts for sale. Webb Appliance has a FaceBook page featuring additional information and photos.

Wrapped Up Gifts has its own showroom as well as items featured throughout the store tastefully decorating the location.

“I started All Wrapped Up when I went on maternity leave,” said Michelle Upton, owner. “I wanted to keep my kids with me instead of daycare so I got started in 2002 from home making unique gift baskets for sale. They were a huge hit using a lot of local crafters and vendors. I opened the first store in Payette and had over two dozen consigners join me. I met Grant and Allyssa as customers. We talked about me opening a second All Wrapped Up location within their new store here. It’s been a great combination and I’ve since closed the Payette location and moved everything to Emmett.”

All Wrapped Up is a fun and unique shopping experience. They offer home décor, repurposed furniture, purses and kids’ décor and frilly little girl items. To get special offers only available to “fans”, sign up as a “fan” on the FaceBook page; search All Wrapped Up Boutique.

“What I sell is unique and affordable,” said Upton. “I try to have great items at good prices. Business is definitely growing here in Emmett as people come in and discover all we have to make your home special and your life a little brighter.”

Webb Appliance, 365-5700 and All Wrapped Up Gifts, 350-3752;  Open M-F, 9-12/1-5; 1901 N Washington Ave.

We had the privilege of holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Gem County Recreation District’s grand re-opening.  The GCRD is a tremendous asset to our community.  They work hard to enrich the quality of life here in Gem County by providing affordable recreational opportunities for people of all ages.  We are grateful to have them as Chamber Members and we are lucky to have them in our community.

 Attending the ribbon cutting were Abra Dodson, Sam Gunderson, Bobbi Taylor, Michelle Davelaar, Kristen Seitz, Miranda Barren, and Devan Crump of the GCRD, along with GCRD Board Members Wayne Rexford and Roger Bennie.  Also in attendance were Jim Smith and Shelly Peterson of Body Shop Fitness Centers, Al Dimmick of Cherrystone Orchard, Tonja Hyder of the Messenger Index, Stacy Gulley of 4T Construction, Charlie West of Idaho Department of Labor, Torrey and Lynn Rose of House of Color, Alesha Wise, Adam Swart, Jacob Tilley, and Dian Streeby and Hoss White of the GCCC.

 The Gem County Recreation District is located at 107 E. Main Street in downtown Emmett.  They can be reached at 208-365-5748.