Flathead Business Watercooler

Wildland fire education course for businesses 

In anticipation of potential wildland fires in the region, Western Montana’s Glacier Country, the official tourism marketing, management and stewardship organization for western Montana, recently launched a new online course. 

“Don’t Add Fuel to the Fire” is a free, 30-minute course designed for western Montana visitor-centric businesses and front-end staff who may receive questions about wildland fire and smoke conditions. 

The four-part course is designed to help understand the critical role of effective communication surrounding wildland fire and smoke and provides practical strategies to prevent misinformation. It also offers fire-prevention and educational resources for visitors and staff.  

 For additional information, visit learn.glaciermt.com. 

Economic presentation  

The University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research holds its mid-year economic update on an assessment of the U.S. and Montana economies on Aug. 1 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell. The program will provide a special focus on housing affordability.  

Statewide, housing prices today are 60% higher than the beginning of 2020, and rents have ballooned as well. The program will take a fresh look at policies and actions that could move the needle on housing affordability.  

Cost is $35 and includes lunch. To register, visit www.economicoutlookseminar.com 

Whitefish Gone Fishin’ 

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Gone Fishin’ on July 18 at 5 p.m. is hosted by Mountain Hot Tub, 1830 Baker Ave., Whitefish. This is a networking event for business representatives to interact with others, exchange information and develop professional and social contacts. 

Kalispell Coffee Connect 

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce hosts its Coffee Connect on July 26 at 8 a.m. at Tamarack Cannabis, 151 Business Center Loop, Ste. C, Kalispell. Coffee Connect is a morning networking and relationship-building business meeting. The program features a host and spotlight speaker.