Ex-mayor takes business district job

Former Kalispell Mayor Pam Kennedy Carbonari has been hired as coordinator of the Downtown Kalispell Business Improvement District.

The hiring was announced Thursday by district board chairman Jon Fetveit.

In the newly created position, Carbonari will report to the district board and work on “specific projects and programs to create a positive direction for growth and development in downtown Kalispell,” according to a news release.

Kennedy recently completed eight years as Kalispell mayor and earlier served eight years on the Kalispell City Council.

Fetveit cited that experience as a factor in Carbonari’s hiring. “Her experience with the city of Kalispell and the downtown district was unparalleled,” he said.

“We undertook a thorough process to identify the most qualified candidates and Pam rose to the top,” Fetveit said.

Among the projects Carbonari will tackle are better signs for the downtown district, online marketing and special events. She also will be responsible for coordinating efforts among the district, city of Kalispell, Kalispell Downtown Association and Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.

A primary goal of the district is to increase the number of people who live, work and shop in downtown Kalispell, according to the press release. The district also wants to increase the number of tourists who visit downtown Kalispell.