Workplace watercooler

Kalispell Chamber plans annual banquet

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce will hold its 114th annual banquet and auction Friday, Nov. 16, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.

The theme, “Planes, trains, and automobiles,” is meant to celebrate the historic opportunity that Kalispell and the entire Flathead Valley has for revitalization with the removal of the railroad tracks, a planned airport terminal expansion, potential expansion of the bypass, and continued development projects.

A highlight of the evening is the announcement of the winner of the Great Chief Award, as well as the winners of the chamber’s annual business awards.

Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and networking begin at 5 p.m., with a welcome at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:40 p.m. An after-party follows at the Blue Canyon in the Hilton Garden Inn.

Proceeds of the auction will benefit the Kalispell Chamber Foundation, the chamber’s nonprofit affiliate, which supports its strategic initiatives: promote an active and vibrant downtown, grow Kalispell as a regional trade center, build on infrastructure momentum, accelerate non-resident tourism growth and strengthen manufacturing and innovation.

For ticket information contact the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.

Glacier Bancorp approves most SBA loans

Once again, Glacier Bancorp Inc., headquartered in Kalispell, made the largest number and dollar of U.S. Small Business Administration-guaranteed loans during fiscal year 2018. The entire Glacier Bancorp Montana division approved 54 SBA-guaranteed loans totaling $9,956,400.

Figures released by the SBA Montana District Office show that during fiscal year 2018, which ended Sept. 30, SBA guaranteed 239 loans totaling $75.665 million. Of these loans, 223 for $61,889,610 were made through SBA’s 7(a) Guaranty Loan Program, which provides short- or long-term financing for small business start-up or expansion needs. Sixteen loans totaling $13,776,000 were made through SBA’s 504 Certified Development Company program, providing long term fixed rates financing for land, buildings and equipment.

Full-service restaurants, electrical contractors, landscaping services, convenience stores and commercial and industrial machinery and equipment were among the most frequently financed businesses during the fiscal year. Of the 239 loans, 48 loans totaling $12.6 million were made to women-owned businesses, 10 loans totaling $1.7 million were made to veterans, and 22 loans totaling $7.4 million were made to minority business owners.

Government contracting workshop offered

Robert Much of the Native American Development Corp. PTAC will conduct a Government Contracting 101 workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the CSKT IT computer training room in the lower level of the Old Tribal Complex in Pablo. It will cover the basics of government contracting and online certifications needed to do business with the government. He is also available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 for counseling assistance. Call the Indian Preference Office at 406-675-2700, ext. 1045 to sign up, or contact Much at 406-442-8543, or rmuch@nadc-nabn.org. to set up an appointment.