Idaho Department of Commerce  The Idaho Department of Commerce is the lead economic development organization for the State of Idaho, a state located in the Northwestern United States. The Department utilizes resources at a state level to improve the economic growth of the state. Idaho offers open door access to all levels of government. Providing public grants, tax credits, and tax exemptions are just a few of the incentives the Department of Commerce uses to entice companies to expand, relocate, or invest in Idaho  through:  The Department consists of five divisions: marketing; tourism development; international business; commercial innovation; and economic development. The International Business division's goal is to identify prospects for Idaho products and services in international markets and help companies capitalize on these opportunities by offering export/import counseling, market research, coordination of trade missions and trade shows as well as incoming buying delegations. International Business is an essential part of Idaho's economy and in Northern Idaho is located a port that is vital to the state's commerce. The Port of Lewiston was formed in 1958 by the voters of Nez Perce County. In accordance with Idaho Code 70-1101, the Port oversees harbor operations, terminal facilities, international trade, and industrial and economic development. Idaho supports full-time offices in China, Taiwan and Mexico. Trade office representatives are citizens of these countries and contract employees of Idaho. There are several services provided by the International Trade Offices including:  The Tourism Division builds the economy by promoting Idaho as a visitor destination on a national and international level. The division uses strategic marketing and public relations to create awareness of Idaho's attractions and foster sustainable growth. The division also supports local non-profit and regional tourism development organizations through a competitive marketing grant program. Workshops, training, blogs, co-op marketing opportunities and assistance with marketing and public relations efforts are available to all tourism suppliers in Idaho. The $1.3 billion tourism industry plays a vital part in Idaho's economy by providing over 41,600 direct jobs which generate almost $500 million in local, state, and federal tax revenues. The Tourism Division hosts the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism in early May each year. The conference brings together tourism industry members from the private and public sectors with experts in the areas of marketing/promotion, social networking, public relations, technology and public land management for an educational exchange. Idaho's diverse economy holds opportunities for a wide variety of businesses. Their unique assets have helped traditional industries prosper and attract new industries looking to take advantage of Idaho's business climate. Idaho is a perfect testing ground for renewable energy technologies, and already alternative energy manufacturing companies are moving in to tap Idaho's business climate.