The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, the influential business lobby, announced today that when its president Steve Ahrens retires next month, he’ll be succeeded by Alex LaBeau, the current head of the Idaho Association of Realtors. Ahrens has held the post for 15 years.

Ahrens praised his successor, saying he’s worked with him on issues including property taxes, initiative reform, tort reform and the repeal of term limits. “Alex earned a reputation as a ‘finisher’ – when he promises to do a job, you can count on that job getting done, and done well,” Ahrens said.

LaBeau, 37, said his short-term goal is to “maintain IACI’s credibility as a resource for legislators,” and in the longer term, he wants to involve the business group’s members more in direct lobbying. “Grass-roots lobbying is the wave of the future,” he said.

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