Optimism on local economy is welcome

Good times may be ahead for the Flathead Valley economy, if the predictions of local and regional experts turn out to be true.

The annual Flathead Valley Economic Forecast on Wednesday featured plenty of positive prognostications for the valley during 2016.

Local business leaders expect 2 to 3 percent employment growth this year, construction jobs are returning and the health-care industry continues to expand, according to presenters at the session sponsored by Montana West Economic Development.

Some areas of the valley should see continued growth in both new construction and demand for commercial and residential real estate.

One economic damper may be the low exchange rate for the Canadian dollar and continued oil-related recession in Alberta, a province that contributes visitors and money to the Flathead Valley.

A broader but still positive perspective came from an economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. He buttressed Fed survey results with a simple demonstration: When he asked those gathered at the Kalispell seminar who was optimistic about the economic outlook for this year, nearly everyone raised their hands.

Let’s hope all these predictions of prosperity ring true.

Three local fire districts work to lower risk

Good news for folks in the East Valley in Wednesday’s paper. The national Insurance Services Office improved fire ratings for three fire districts — Bigfork, Ferndale and Creston.

The rating agency looks at the risk for local communities so they can determine an appropriate cost for fire insurance. Homes and businesses in safer areas pay less for insurance. Of course, that also reflects increased safety for local folks.

Creston Fire Chief Gary Mahugh noted, “This was a concerted effort by all three of our departments to help our community in regards to fire insurance.” He said the effort also helped strengthen the bond between the districts, which is certainly important because firefighters are often called to cross district boundaries to do what they do best —help save property and lives at great risk to themselves.

One more reason to be grateful to our brave firefighters.