ABOUT CHRISTY

Christina M. Perry
Born: June 4, 1968
Place: Ankara, Turkey
Grew Up: Middleton, Idaho
Marital Status: Married to Matt Perry
Children: 3

      I consider myself an Idaho native. Since my father was in the military and stationed outside the U.S., I was not born here. However, when my parents returned stateside, they returned to their Nampa roots, and eventually settled in Middleton, Idaho. It was growing up there where I learned the small town values cherished so highly by the citizens of Canyon County. Values such as honesty, integrity, hard work, making your own way, and giving of yourself to others, are values, which are important to my self, my family, and my neighbors as well. The simple phrase "do your best" has stayed with me through all of my endeavors, including high school, raising a family, operating a business, and most recently attending college.
      Matt and I graduated from Middleton- Matt in 1984, and myself in 1986. I was very active in high school. I played multiple sports, was in honor society, participated in student council, and graduated as Salutatorian.
      I have spent some time out of the country. I had the opportunity to be in West Germany at the time the Berlin wall came down. It was a very exciting time in history. I have traveled to various countries and understand quite well the opportunities, which exist in America. The equivalent prospects do not exist in many other countries. These opportunities are something we need to be aware of and protect.
      Matt and I married in February 1993. I stayed home to raise our kids while Matt worked for Dan Wiebold Ford in Nampa for 15 years. While I was home raising children, I volunteered extensively at each school the kids attended. Specifically, I helped to create the after -school program ("CAT" classes) for Central Canyon Elementary, which brought together volunteers of different backgrounds to introduce the elementary children to such things as painting, knitting, foreign languages, etc… I also helped to create and establish the Central Canyon "Book Swap" as well. I was always available for field trips through the years!
      During this time I also began to work for a network marketing company by the name of "Home and Garden Party." I have worked for this company for 12 years as an independent distributor and team leader. I have achieved every major leadership award the company has offered. I have received recognition for being regional top seller and for having a team with over 1 million dollars in sales.  It was a terrific way to bring in extra income and still be home for the kids. I have loved this kind of work with all the people I have met. I still sell for the company, although the name has recently changed to "Celebrating Home."
     In 2001, Matt and I purchased the Buckhorn Gun Shop in Boise, Idaho. We worked together for the first few years to get it up and running. As time progressed, and the shop succeeded, we added more employees.  Matt is terrific at running the shop so I no longer work full time there, although I am there every week. I handle the paperwork, payroll, accounts receivable and payable, as well as, the federal log books. It has been a great adventure! I work the local gun shows in the valley and oftentimes Matt and I travel out of town for gun shows as well. I am a federal firearms license holder, and have a concealed weapons permit too.
      As the years progressed, the idea that it was time for me to pursue my career materialized. Four years ago I began to attend Boise State University. I attended full time while working my home decorating business and at the shop as well. I graduated in May 2009, Summa Cum Laude. I was one of only 19 students to accomplish this out of a class of 2,086 students. I also graduated out of BSU's distinctive Honors College program. I accomplished this with "distinguished honors." My undergraduate career was very successful! I am looking forward to a distinguished graduate career with BSU. I am currently in the MPA program at BSU studying policy analysis and public administration.
      I have worked for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture's marketing department. This department places an emphasis on ways to promote Idaho's agricultural community locally, as well as, globally. I am interested in the promotion of Canyon County's unique agricultural community, which will aid both the small and large farming operations. Both are vital to this community.  I also interned for Boise State University's Government Relations Department.  In this capacity I learned much about the political process our state utilizes.
   I am involved in a multitude of groups and we try to donate and lend our help wherever possible. One of my favorite fundraisers to participate in is the fundraiser shoot for the Ronald McDonald House. Matt and I have been corporate sponsors and it is truly an honor to be involved with such a terrific cause.
       My hobbies include recreational shooting, and gardening. I think kindness grows in your own backyard. I always take the vegetables to the local missions. There, they are graciously accepted. I believe everyone has the capacity to give in some form and hope many people will find it in their hearts to give of their time and talents to their community. It may be as simple as volunteering at your child's local school, or donating your garden vegetables, every act of kindness is rewarded and desired.
      I have been happily married for 16 years to Matt. He is my best friend and we do nearly everything together. We enjoy all Idaho has to offer! Our children grew up camping together. We hunt, fish, hike, and ride our horses. We love to be in the great outdoors.
    We live on six acres south of Nampa where we raise grass hay, ride our horses, tend to our dogs, and really enjoy life.  Our youngest son is still at home and attends Skyview High School. Our oldest son is in the Army Guard. He is part of the 183rd Aviation Battalion. He also attends BSU and is working towards a degree in criminal justice. Our daughter is married with a daughter of her own and we have found being grandparents is a wonderful experience. 
    

Community Involvement

National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Pi Sigma Alpha Member
Boise State Alumni Association
Member of Women in the Outdoors
Better Business Bureau
Who's Who Among American Professional Women
Member of Ducks Unlimited
Community and School Volunteer Work
National Shooting Sports Association
Idaho Business Women's Network
2009 Idaho All State Shooting Team
Federal Firearms License Holder
Concealed Weapons Permit Holder
Lifetime Member of the NRA

Education

Boise State University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; State and Local Government Emphasis
 Graduated Summa Cum Laude- one of only 19 people to accomplish this feat out of a class of 2,086
Graduate Boise State University Honors College - Received "Distinguished Honors" Award
Currently in Graduate Program, Boise State University for policy analysis and public administration

Employment

Idaho State Department of Agriculture- Marketing Division
Self Employed- Independent Distributor for "Celebrating Home," located in Marshall, TX
Co-Owner Buckhorn Gun Shop Boise, Id
Intern for Boise State University Government Relations Department