Excerpts taken from the Post Register dated April 22, 2011:

Idahoan Foods will move its corporate headquarters and about 65 employees into the old EICAP building in downtown Idaho Falls.

Downtown Idaho Falls is about to house the new corporate headquarters of an expanding potato business.

The 17,000-square foot facility is across from City Hall and undergoing renovation by crews from Idaho Falls-based Pacific West Construction.

Until recently, the building served as the home of Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership.

Lewis said his company has outgrown its Lewisville facility, which will remain open.

"Idahoan Foods has enjoyed significant growth during the last three-and-a-half years and we knew we would outgrow our current facility," Lewis said.  "Right now, frankly, we're a little cramped."

Company officials said they hope their employees can move into the downtown office by October.

While Idahoan's expansion is not expected to create many jobs, Robb Chiles, president and CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, heralded the news.

Lewis said Idahoan executives chose downtown because of nearby amenities, including restaurants, professional offices and the greenbelt.  He also said his company believes it can help improve the image and viability of downtown.

"We have an opportunity to take a leadership role in the revitalization of the historic downtown area, and we are very happy to be able to do that, "Lewis said. 

In total Idahoan employs about 700 employees and operates plants or offices in Lewisville, Dubois, Grand Forks, N.D.; and Winnemucca, Nevada.  About 260 employees will continue to work out of the Lewis ille plant after the mo e is complete.

Idahoan makes and sells potato products marketed under the Idahoan, Honest Earth and Idaho Supreme brands.