Center for the New West

The Center for the New West is a conservative think tank based in Boise, ID. It says its mission is, "to foster balanced growth and economic development in the Western United States and to advance the principles of the Founders, including personal freedom, limited government and free enterprise in America’s New Economy. Founded in 1989, the Center seeks to improve awareness of Western issues and to provide a platform for leaders of business, government, education and civic institutions to address regional, national and global problems and to develop practical solutions for them."

Personnel
The center's board, listed on its website, includes representatives from Coeur d’Alene Mines, BIPAC (the Business and Industry Political Action Committee), and other corporations and business groups. Also, a press release on May 26, 2004 stated: "'The Center for the New West is pleased to announce the election of Congressman Chris Cannon (R-UT) to its Board of Trustees. The Center for the New West is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy research institute. Historically the Center has focused on issues that are shaping the new economy of the West including energy policy, land use, and rural economic development. Cannon joins Senator Larry Craig (ID) as the only other member of Congress on the Board of Trustees for the Center.'"

According to the Wayback Machine the staff of the Center for the New West was in 2002 (it was based in Denver then, apparently at the website www.newwest.org):
 * John Maddox, President & CEO
 * Janel Domenico, Managing Director
 * Sarah Tacznosky, Administrative Assistant
 * Stephanie Morris, Comptroller & Director, Administration
 * Joe Wheeler, Fellow-in-Residence, Cultural Studies

Also, according to the Rothenberg Political Report, 7/28/05, Rick O'Donnell worked for the Center from 1996-1999. O'Donnell later become Colorado Gov. Bill Owens' policy director, and is running for Congress in the 7th district of Colorado in the 2006 election.

Funding
In 1998 CNW received funding from:
 * Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
 * John M. Olin Foundation
 * Castle Rock Foundation

In 1998 the center gained grants of $57,215 from the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation"to support books promoting critical thinking on environmental issues", $55,300 from the John M. Olin Foundation and $35,000 for "projects to improve environmental education" and $35,000 from the Castle Rock Foundation "to bring balance to environmental education in public schools Castle Rock Foundation."

ExxonSecrets says that Exxon gave the group a $5000 grant in 1998. 

Contact details
P.O. Box 1673 Boise ID 83701 Phone: 208-385-7070 Web:http://www.centerfornewwest.org