Fisher's recently partnered with Boise State Radio to be the primary underwriter for American Public Media's Marketplace programming on NPR. I had the honor of meeting with Kai Ryssdal, the charismatic host of Marketplace, twice this week. Although this was Kai's first trip to Boise, he spoke of Treasure Valley, BSU football, I84 traffic problems, and local news events as if he lived here. He also broadcast his Marketplace program to the nation from little old Boise.

(John Foster at IBR recently interviewed Kai and you can read his comments on his blog.)

So why did Fisher's choose to support Boise State Radio and the Marketplace programming?  First and foremost, Fisher's is a locally owned company that cares deeply about the business community we serve.  Boise State Radio and Marketplace are a major part of this community and we are honored to have the opportunity to provide support.  Furthermore, Fisher's strives to be a knowledge source to our community... not only a knowledge source on our products and services, but also on the greater improvement of our customers' and clients' businesses.  That is why we launched an ongoing podcast series called Agents of Change (available from our website) where we interview local business and community leaders about the challenges facing the Treasure Valley.  The Marketplace programming fits perfectly with this concept, providing valuable information to our market.

Have no doubt, there is also a self-serving objective in our choice to underwrite Boise State Radio... it's called marketing.  But we believe in marketing through providing useful content to people, rather than via intrusive ads that disrupt people's lives.  The copier industry in our market and around the country is notorious for poorly-produced commercials, useless billboards, and slick sales people hawking hardware.  We prefer to inform, educate and improve our marketplace... becoming a trusted source and partner.  Kai and the rest of the content providers on Boise State Radio do exactly that for the Treasure Valley and Fisher's is proud to be a part of it.