Business
The latest business news from Northwest Montana and beyond. In-depth coverage of local enterprises, economic trends, market updates, and entrepreneurial success stories.
US home sales flat in April as lackluster spring homebuying season lurches forward
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes were essentially flat in April, another lackluster showing for the housing…
Time for wine?: Kalispell Chamber promotes grape research initiative
Are there varieties of cold-hardy grapes that could generate enough fruit to sustain a number of wineries around Flathead Lake?
Public spending boosts hospitals
Medicare payments to hospitals in Montana constitute 34 percent of net revenue to those facilities, people at a recent economic forum in Kalispell were told.
Tourism spells revenue, plenty of jobs in Montana, Flathead Valley
Tourism is big business in Montana, and a big chunk of the state’s tourism business occurs in Flathead County and Kalispell, according to speakers at two recent meetings in Kalispell.
Housing market shows slight improvement
The number of houses sold in Flathead County last year increased by 5.4 percent compared to 2009, and was also higher than the number sold in 2008.
Dealing in Dell: Montana Tech Solutions relocates to Flathead
When Todd and Christine Kolstad visited Kalispell on their honeymoon 14 years ago, they had their photo taken at the “Welcome to Kalispell” sign and decided some day they’d live here.
Whitefish Lodge comes up diamonds
The owners of the Lodge at Whitefish Lake are celebrating the property’s AAA designation as a four-diamond facility.
Love of baking leads to Bad Dog venture
When the construction industry in the Flathead Valley hit the skids a couple of years ago, Bigfork contractor and electrician Dan Foster found himself struggli…
Southern cooking reigns supreme at The Shak
With old barn tin covering the interior walls, a jet-black meat smoker parked at the front of the building, an enormous meat smoker just out the back door, old…
Visitor bureau geared to boost Kalispell tourism
A new marketing effort to promote Kalispell, increase the number of visitors who stay in the city’s hotels and motels and help boost the local economy is about to hit full stride.
New Family Fun Center in a zone of its own
For several years, Amber Collier heard parents talk about how much the Flathead Valley needed a place for kids to congregate. They needed a safe place to play …
Father-daughter duo deck the halls
If John McGovern and his daughter Ciara visit your house or business, you may find yourself singing the tune “It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas.”
Toy store enterprise finds local niche
Fifteen years after they ventured into something completely new, the owners of the two Imagination Station Toys stores in Flathead County freely admit they did…
Christmas store adds to Main Street offerings
Searching for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts?
Cold Stone Creamery: Love of ice cream leads to business venture
Nicole Howe and her mom, Renee, have slightly different recollections of a phone conversation they had about seven years ago, shortly after Nicole had enrolled…
Smoothies, leathers connect in new shop
Alyson and Jim Kuechmann were so swayed by healthy eating changes they made in their lives they decided to begin selling their all-natural smoothies so other p…