Business development helps economy thrive

One of the reasons our Flathead economy is thriving has a lot to do with the day-in and day-out work of the Montana West Economic Development staff. The organization is on the front line of promoting economic development in our corner of the world. That work is conducted on many levels and often behind the scene.

Montana West’s recently published annual report points out, for example, the organization’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center played a big role in helping local businesses nail down government contracts, counseling 294 clients last year. A total of 337 government contracts were awarded to 123 clients, with a value of nearly $14 million.

The loan program had a solid year, too, originating seven loans to local businesses totaling $1.2 million. That resulted in 11 new jobs and the retention of 69.5 jobs. Entrepreneurial start-ups are an especially strong segment of the local business economy.

Last year also brought momentum to the Glacier Rail Park project that is a collaborative effort involving not only Montana West but also the city of Kalispell and Flathead County Economic Development Authority.

On another bright note, Kalispell just completed all the steps of the process to finally get the $10 million federal TIGER grant money in hand. A groundbreaking at the rail park site off Whitefish Stage Road is set Aug. 22. Then it’s off and running for LHC Inc., which won a $11 million contract to build the rail park.

The local economy is buoyed by business development to be sure, but there are also plenty of recreational events that put the Flathead on the map. One of those — The Event at Rebecca Farm — is underway right now, showcasing some of the finest equestrian talent in the country.

The show runs through Sunday, featuring all three legs of the equestrian triathlon — dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The Event is a wonderful way to spend one of our glorious sunny July days.

Entry is free, but a $10 donation for parking benefits breast cancer research started five years ago by Sarah Broussard in honor of her mother and The Event’s founder, Rebecca Broussard.