From the farmlands of South Dakota to Nampa and finally the struggling city of Pocatello, Sam Nettinga — Holland Dutch (German) — is happy to feel that he contributed his business skills to help the Gate City become all that it is today.
When he came to Pocatello in 1973, the population was about 41,000, and the Chamber of Commerce was nearing bankruptcy. Under his direction and leadership, the 530 members of the Chamber grew to 830, and the economy saw an upward surge as well.
Born in Huron, South Dakota, Sam married his high school sweetheart, Cleo, and the couple raised their six children, all of whom attended a three-family country school in Huron…