Upcoming Flathead Forecast focuses on local economy
The 15th annual Flathead Forecast on Feb. 21 brings economist Joe Mahon back for an encore performance to discuss economic trends and how companies are implementing creative solutions to combat the workforce shortage impacting communities from Minnesota to Montana.
Mahon is the regional outreach director for the Minneapolis Federal Reserve. His responsibilities involve tracking several sectors of the Ninth District economy, an area that covers Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Montana and portions of Wisconsin and Michigan. He will discuss the economic outlook for the Ninth District based on the most recent economic indicators as well as the role the Minneapolis Reserve plays in the discussion surrounding “Too Big to Fail” banking reform policy and where that discussion is likely to lead in 2017.
Also on the agenda is Jim Kelley’s presentation exploring how home price, affordability and population impact one another in the Flathead real estate market. Kelley, of Kelley Appraisal, will highlight both residential and commercial real estate trends in 2016 and their implications for sales and growth in 2017.
An important part of the Flathead Valley’s economy is dependent on tourism and the transportation infrastructure that supports it and the two million visitors it brings to the Flathead Valley each year. Rep. Frank Garner, R-Kalispell, who represents House District 7, will join the Flathead Forecast to discuss his legislative bill proposing a new tool to finance the maintenance of that infrastructure. This solution is part of the industry-led Montana Infrastructure Coalition, which was formed to develop funding and financing options for infrastructure investment to accommodate growth in the Big Sky State.
Additionally, Flathead Valley Community College economist Gregg Davis will introduce the launch of his business confidence survey for Northwest Montana.
The Flathead Valley Economic Forecast is a Montana West Economic Development signature event, and is held during the first quarter of every year. The 2017 event will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at FVCC. Breakfast and networking starts at 7:30 a.m., with the program from 8 to 10 a.m.
The event is open to the public and ticket prices are $30 per person. Additional information and registration can be found on the Montana West Economic Development website at www.dobusinessinmontana.com. The Flathead Forecast is supported in part by Flathead Valley Community College, LC Staffing and Park Side Credit Union and is part of Flathead County Economic Development Authority’s One Valley, One Vision initiative.