Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
June 2010
At a GlanceJune Luncheon >> Wednesday, June 29, 2010 Red Lion Hotel “StateoftheCity” 11:45 – 1:30 pm, Red Lion Hotel 20 Main Street, Kalispell
June UNWINDs>> Tuesday, June 1 The Boiler Room Rooftop 525-8th St. E, Kalispell 5-6:30 PM
>> Wednesday, June 16 Montana Center for Wellness & Pain 215 Windward Way, Ste 101, Kalispell 5-6:30 PM
>> Tuesday, June 29 Glacier Symphony & Chorale 720 S. Main Street, Kalispell, MT 5-6:30 PM
In This Issue2 May New Members3 May New Members,continued May Renewals4 Reaching Your Target Market Small Business Tax Credit Available Workforce Training Grants5 June Calendar6 UNWINDs Volunteer Opportunity Arts in the Park7 Montana Entrepreneurship,continued Unemployment Rate Drops Cost of Living Figures8 Leadership Flathead9 4th of July Parade Registration
June Luncheon to Feature State of the City Address by Mayor FisherThe Chamber’s June luncheon will feature a “State of the City” address by Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher on Wednesday, June 23. and is sponsored by Evergreen Disposal. The Mayor will
reflect on the city’s accomplishments over the past year and look to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Business owners, real estate professionals, builders, and citizens will find the address to be of interest.The program is scheduled for 11:45 to 1:00 pm on Wednesday, June 23, at the Red Lion Hotel. Luncheon tickets are $16 each. Members of the public are welcome to view the program, without lunch, for free. Tables of eight may be reserved for $120. Tickets are purchased in advance by calling 758-2800 or email [email protected].
US Chamber Ranks Montana First in EntrepreneurshipA new U.S. Chamber report ranks Montana first in entrepreneurship – congratulations to Montana! Here is a sampling of some of the stories about that:
KFBB.com reports, “Even during tough economic times, Montana is a top spot for economic development. The Treasure State earned top marks for entrepreneurship in a report from the
Chamber SnapshotVisitor’s Center Information Requests:
continued page 7 >>
April ‘10 YTDPhone Calls: 570 2,108Walk-ins 355 1,202 VACATION Packets 4 11 Inquiries 95 326 Email Inquiries 4 31RELOCATION Packets 1 16 Basic 27 133 Phone Books 2 11WEB ACTIVITy Unique Visits 3,974 14,395
TOTAL VISITS 5,037 18,468
Kalispell Chamber of CommerceMission Statement
The central mission of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is the cultivation and development of entrepreneurs and communities
through the spirit of enterprise.
2
OfficersTerry Kramer, Chairman of the Board, Kramer EnterprisesTom Lund, Vice Chairman of the Board, Rocky Mountain BankDave Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer, CTA Architects and EngineersBob Schneider, Immediate Past Chairman, First Interstate Bank
Directors
Susie Burch, Flathead Valley Community College
Kris Carlson, A+ Plus Healthcare
Nancy Davis, Prudential Financial
Reed Gunlikson, R Gunlikson CPA’s
Scott Hagel, Crowley Law Firm
Dave Harvey, Sportsman Ski Haus
Tom Kurdy, The Daily Inter Lake
Mark Lalum , CHS
Jason Manger, Semitool
Denise Nalty, Nalty Real Estate
Cheri Nelson, Express Employment Professionals
Jim Ness, Glacier Bank
Jim Oliverson, Northwest Health Care
Kelly Robinson, Plum Creek Timber
Loren Sallee, Loren’s Auto Repair
Ken Sugden, Flathead Electric Cooperative
Chris Walters, Hilton Garden Inn
Ex-officio Directors
Mike Pence, Flathead County AdministratorJane Howington, Kalispell City Manager
Professional Staff
Joe Unterreiner, President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2804Cary Aubrey, Executive Assistant . . . . . . . . . . 758-2803Diane Bebee, Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2800Chris Parson, Small Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2802Doug Bolender, Government Contracting Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 755-4221Jill Seigmund, Leadership Flathead Program Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2810
Consultants
Anderson, Baker & Swanson - Government AffairsEdge Communications - Media & Public RelationsJCCS - Tax & Audit CounselJanet Schwalk - Bookkeeping
May New MembersPlease welcome these new members with your business.
continued next page >>
APPLE BARREL, INCOwners ~ David & Dana Cordell3250 Hwy 2 EKalispell, MT 59901Email: [email protected]: 406-755-7753Fax: 406-257-1689
Farmer’s market – Fresh local fruits & veggiesMade in Montana goodies – OrganicKitchen tool t6o enhance the kitchen
BAGLEy GUIDE SERVICEOwner ~ Dusty Bagley13826 Pine StBigfork, MT 59911Email: [email protected]: www.bagleyguideservice.comPhone: 406-837-3618 Bagley Guide Service is a first class charter fishing service nestled along the northeast corner of Flathead Lake in beautiful Bigfork, MT. We specialize in CATCHING FISH and make sure you have a GREAT TIME while doing it!
CELL PHONE REPAIROwner~ Wayne Grilley2243 Hwy 2 EKalispell, MT 59903Email: [email protected]: www.cprmt.comPhone: 406-257-2348
Cell phone repairs, data transfer, accessories, battery chargers, refurbished cell phones, all makes & models
GREAT NORTHERN RESORTOwner~ Victoria Lee12127 Hwy 2 EWest Glacier, MT 59936Email: [email protected]: www.greatnorthernresort.comPhone: 406-387-5340Fax: 406-387-9007
Located just a mile from Glacier National Park, our resort offers log cabins, whitewater rafting, guided fishing and a beautiful wedding venue.
3
>> from page 2May New Members Flathead Regional Business Center Partners
15 Depot Park Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 758-2800 (406) 758-2805: Fax
Business Expansion and RetentionChris Parson(406) 758-2802sbdc@kalispellchamber .comwww .nwmontanabear .com
Flathead Community FoundationMarc Lorenzen, Board President(406) 756-9047info@flatheadcommunityfoundation .orgwww .flatheadcommunityfoundation .org
Flathead Convention and Visitors Bureau(406) 756-9091dori@fcvb .orgwww .montanasflatheadvalley .com
Flathead Job Service Workforce CenterMora McCarthy, Business Resource Consultant(406) 758-6241mmccarthy@mt .govwww .employflathead .com
Flathead Valley Community CollegeJodi Smith, Workforce Training Director(406) 758-2809 (Wednesday’s only)jsmith@fvcc .eduwww .fvcc .edu
Kalispell Chamber of CommerceJoe Unterreiner, President(406) 758-2800joe@kalispellchamber .comwww .kalispellchamber .com
Kalispell Chamber Foundation(406) 758-2800info@kalispellchamber .comwww .kalispellchamber .com
Leadership FlatheadJill Seigmund(406) 758-2810seigmund@centurytel .netwww .leadershipflathead .com
Montana Manufacturing Extension CenterBill Nicholson, Manager(406) 756-8329bnicholson@coe .montana .eduwww .mtmanufacturingcenter .com
Northwest Montana SCOREScott Roberts, Chapter Chairman(406) 756-5271score@digisys .net
Procurement Technical Assistance CenterDoug Bolender, Kalispell PTAC Manager(406) 755-4221ptac@kalispellchamber .com
Small Business Development CenterChris Parson, Director(406) 758-2802sbdc@kalispellchamber .comwww .kalispellsmallbusiness .com
May Renewals 10 Plus YearsAble Body ShopAero InnDe Pratu FordDental Distinctions, PCDr Peter Nelson DMDEisinger HondaFirst American Title Company of MontanaGlacier Pines RV ParkHooper’s Garden CenterJackola Engineering & Architecture PCJohnson Berg McEvoy & BostockMontana Mortgage CompanyRadioactive
5 to 9 YearsFlathead Care-Safe & Drug Free School Consortium
1 to 4 YearsWhitefish Credit UnionFifth Wave Leadership
Third AnnualPublic Safety Day The Kalispell Police Advisory Council the Kalispell Police Department, and Target would like to invite the public to meet and interact with your local Public Safety officials. Agencies from around the Flathead Valley (Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS) will have equipment and vehicles on display. You will have the opportunity to view some of the valley’s most advanced life saving equipment. Please bring your family and join us for this 3rd annual event. Meet and greet your local law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and many others who are dedicated to serving the community.
GREENWOOD CORP IOwner~ Dennis & Beverly Rasmussen1100 East Oregon StreetKalispell, MT 59901Phone: 406-755-9256Fax: 406-752-4819
Campground – Mobile Home ParkGreenwood Village Assisted Living
MO FISCH CHARTERSOwner~ Bob Orsua167 West Nicklaus AveKalispell, MT 59901Email: [email protected]: www.mofisch.comPhone: 406-755-4414
Charter Fishing North West Montana
STATE FARM INSURANCE – CHAD MILLEROwner~ Chad Miller245 Windward Way, Ste 110Kalispell, MT 59901Email: [email protected]: www.chadmillerinsurance.comPhone: 406-752-3515Fax: 406-752-3517
Insurance: Auto, Home, Life and MoreOur mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams
RAIDER
SIZE MATTERS
www.mofisch.com406-755-4414
4
Are You ReachingYour Targeted Market?Chambermaster Member Benefit Campaign Statistics indicate that consumers searching the Internet are experienced, educated shoppers that use the web to help make purchase decisions. And 63% of them are more likely to purchase from chamber members!* We have invited a representative from ChamberMaster, our software partner, to come and explain how to get the most from your current Online Business Directory listing on our chamber website - - your free listing already available to you. Upgrade opportunities will also be presented including the ability to display your logo in our Online Business Directory, increase visibility to your own web link, and provide enhancements that give a more professional first impression. How to gain additional exclusive exposure to the Chamber website traffic is something that will also be discussed.Watch for emails in the coming weeks to find out how to set up a short meeting with our ChamberMaster representative or call Cary at 758-2801 for more details.
Incumbent Workforce Training Grants Since the funds became available through the Department of Labor for the Incumbent Workforce Training (IWT) Grant program in April the NW Montana Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) team has seen six applications. These grants have totaled over $11,000 dollars to local businesses to enhance productivity, increase wages, improve employee knowledge, and gain essential and needed skills for employees. Some of the training programs that have been approved are advanced excel training through Flathead Valley community College, HAAS CNC training through Flathead Valley Community College, specialized training industry specific, Internal Quality Audit training through Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC), and Certified Public Accountant examination fees and other prep training.
All for-profit businesses that are registered with the State of Montana and have been in business for at least one year are eligible. IWT can be used to pay $2000 full-time and $1000 part-time per employee for approved training through any Montana Education system or approved training through Business Expansion and Retention, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and MMEC. Employees need to be past employer’s probationary period or the state’s six month policy if the business does not have one. Summary of guidelines and applications can be found by going to www.nwmontanabusiness.com, go to business services and select training. If you have questions or concerns after reviewing the website please contact Chris Parson at the Kalispell Chamber 758-2802 or email at [email protected]. Once you have completed your application please mail to Kalispell Chamber C/O BEAR 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT or email your PDF version to [email protected]. This program is scheduled to remain effective through June of 2011 or until funds are expended. Take advantage of this great opportunity to increase your businesses capability.
New Small Business Tax Credit Available—Use the Calculator
Your small business might be eligible for the new health care insurance tax credit for fiscal year 2010 as a result of the federal health care reform bills passed by Congress in March. The legislation created a new tax credit for small businesses that have 1) fewer than 25 full-time employees or the equivalent (hours by part-timers count); 2) pay an average annual wage of less than $50,000; and 3) cover at least 50% of the cost of each employee health insurance premium.
Visit chamberchoices.com and click on “Tax Credit Calculator” to determine if you may be eligible for a tax credit. The calculator will estimate if you can receive a tax credit. Ask about the new credit when you work with your tax preparer or CPA.
All Montana Chamber Choices customers meet one of the basic eligibility requirements, which is that the business pay for 50% of the cost of each employee health insurance premium. To learn more about health insurance for your small business (2-99 employees and sole proprietors) visit chamberchoices.com.
New Small Business Tax Credit Available - Use the Calculator
Rockin’ the BoatChamber Summer Cruise on Far West Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship at “Rock’in the Boat” the Chamber’s summer party on Flathead Lake in the newly-returned Far West. The event will be held Wednesday, July 28, 5:00-7:00 pm, departing and returning from The Docks in Lakeside. The cost is $20 per person for members; $25 for non-members. Your reservation includes passage on the cruise and light dining fare. There will be a cash bar. Reserve your seat by making payment at www.kalispellchamber.com or by calling 406-758-2800 for the first 145 people. See you there!
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
All Meetings are at The Chamber unless otherwise stated.
All Meetings are at The Chamber unless otherwise stated.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
June 2010Chamber CalendarChamber Calendar
5
Father’s Day
Education & Communications
Committee Meeting
8:00am – 9:30am
Ambassador Meeting
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Government Affairs
Committee Meeting
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Executive Board Meeting
7:30am – 8:30am
Flathead Young Professionals
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Luncheon: StateoftheCity
Address11:45pm–1:00pm
Board Meeting7:00am – 8:00am
Flathead Community Foundation
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Watch for these July Events:
3 4th of July Parade
9 - 11 Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Summer Show
23-25 42nd Annual Arts in the Park
28 Rockin’ the Boat Chamber Summer Cruise on Far West
UNWINDThe Boiler Room
Rooftop525-8th St. E
5-6:30 PM
Natural Resources Com. Meeting
7:00am – 8:00am
Kalispell Tourism Business
Improvement District Meeting
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Leadership Flathead Meeting 3:00pm- 5:00pm
BEAR Meeting
4:00pm – 5:00pm
6
Next UNWINDsTuesday, June 1, 2010
5 - 6:30 pm
The Boiler Room Rooftop
525-8th St. E, Kalispell
Wednesday, June 16, 20105 - 6:30 pm
Montana Center for Wellness & Pain
215 Windward Way, Ste 101, Kalispell
Refreshmentswasenjoyedbyall!
UNcover What’s Interesting, New and Developing
BertwinstheOrientalAreaCleaninggiftCertificate
VolunteerOpportunityThe Summer tourist season has already begun. I am anticipating a lively tourist trade this summer. Whether you are a native to the Flathead Valley or a transplant, if you are friendly and like people, you will be an asset in the Visitor Center. Here’s your opportunity to sharethe wonders and sights of our unique corner of the USA. I am currently looking for volunteers to help out in the Visitor Center from June 1 through September 4. I have openings for both the morning and afternoon shifts. Shifts run from 11-2 and from 2-5. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday. Most of my volunteers commit to a single shift on the same day each week. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in this opportunity or need a little more information, please contact me (Diane) at 758-2800.
Arts in the Park July 23-25Preparations have begun for the 42nd Annual Arts in the Park, July 23-25, 2007. The event attracts over 10,000 attendees and features over 100 talented artists and craftsmen. There are several ways you can partner with the Hockaday to make Arts in the Park 2010 a success. For sponsorship information call 755-5268 or contact [email protected]
The May 4 UNWIND was hosted by Complete Restoration at the Apple Barrel. The market was filled with guests and enticing aroma’s from the variety of munchies available, from a tomato/crab bisque soup to meatballs and sandwiches. A good time was had by all in spite of the threatening weather outside. Gift Certificates were won by Tim Taylor of Monster Electric, Peggy Young of Western States Insurance, David Gomez of Farmers Insurance, and Bert Hauser of Eagle Transit. Kellie Danielson of Montana West Economic Development won a Fruit Basket and Mandy Einarson of Express Personnel won a bottle of wine. Split the Pot was won by Kari Gabriel of Flathead Care.
Tuesday, June 29, 20105 - 6:30 pm
Glacier Symphony & Chorale720 S. Main Street, Kalispell
7
>> from cover
Montana First in Entrepreneurship
Flathead County Cost-of-LivingFigures For First Quarter 2010 ReleasedInformation released by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce revealed that Flathead County cost-of-living is 1 % above the national average. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for professional and managerial households in the top income quintile. It is based on more than 90,000 prices covering 60 different items for which prices are collected quarterly by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and university applied economic centers in each participating urban area. The composite index is based on six component categories – housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services.Local data, collected by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, is combined with information from 320 other communities across the United States to create the ACCRA Cost of Living Index. ACCRA is the national association of community and economic research professionals. Other Montana areas participating in the survey include Bozeman and Missoula. The ACCRA Cost-of-Living Index for the Kalispell area during the first quarter of 2010 is as follows (average of 320 urban areas = 100):
Composite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.0Grocery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119.5Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96.6Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87.1Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . .98.3Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.1Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . 102.7
Composite Index for Other Communities
Bozeman, MT . . . . . . . . . . . . .102.9Missoula, MT . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.0Twin Falls, ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.2Spokane, WA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.0Laramie, WY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.7
For full report details please visit http://www.kalispellchamber.com/kalispell/costofliving.php
U.S. Chamber of Commerce.” KTVQ.com notes, “A new report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranks Montana first in the nation for entrepreneurs, and also ranks Montana in the top ten for economic growth.” And from a Billings Gazette editorial, “In a detailed assessment of how well business is faring in the 50 states, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation gave Montana some high marks. According to the report, ‘Enterprising States: Creating Jobs, Economic Development and Prosperity in Challenging Times,’ Montana ranks in the top 10 for job growth between 2000 and 2009 and for 2007-2009, in export growth for 2002-2009, per capita personal income growth, in state agency research and development expenditures, in entrepreneurial activity, in avoiding a state government budget gap and in road conditions.”
Flathead’s Unemployment Rate Drops for First Time in Eight MonthsFlathead County’s unemployment rate dropped markedly, and for the first time in eight months, in April. Flathead’s non-seasonally adjusted jobless rate is 12.2 percent, down from March’s record-breaking 13.8 percent mark, according to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Flathead County still has the third-highest unemployment rate in the state, behind neighboring Lincoln and Sanders counties, which came in at 16.8 and 14.0 percent respectively. Flathead’s jobless rate is the lowest since December and the first time it has dropped since August.
City Council Supports New Hotel Fee for MarketingSixteen hotel owners secured approval in May for a new revenue stream that is expected to bring in $335,000 a year to help market Kalispell to tourists, trade shows, meetings, and travelers. Kalispell City Council unanimously approved assessing $1.25 per occupied room per night to go into a new Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District. The Council also approved a board of directors, marketing plan and budget, rules and regulations, and named Chris Walters of the Hilton Garden Inn as the first chairman of the board. “All over the state, this idea has been effective in raising tourism dollars”, said Cheri Nelson, the chairman of the Chamber’s Tourism Committee.
“We can’t afford not to do this”, said Gib Bissell of the Aero Inn. “Even when times are good”, he reminded the group, “hotel owners learned the lesson that they can’t afford to back off on marketing”. Chris Walters of the Hilton Garden Inn noted that “Regionally and nationally, we’re still one of the lowest states for bed taxes.” “I have no fear that any fee will turn tourists away. Other cities are implementing this and they’re going after the same market we are. . . There could be a residual effect of people choosing move here and invest here”. Terry Kramer of Kramer Enterprises and the Chamber’s Chairman of the Board said, “My last two building jobs were the result of visitors deciding they liked the area well enough to stay”.
The fee takes effect on June 17, 2010.
8
PatVanEimeren(FlatheadNationalForest),ChrisOhler(InsuredTitles),andTonyNelson(DepartmentofNaturalResources&Conservation)wereelectedtobe
LeadershipFlatheadClassOfficersfortheClassof2011.
Forest Expo The cool spring day didn’t stop the Class of 2010 from checking out the Forest Expo as part of their “Natural Resources & Land Use” session on May 7. Gathered around the campfire at Expo, the class heard from
a panel of experts on the future of the private timber industry in northwest Montana.
Here are some of the most important messages of the day:· Buy locally harvested and manufactured
products when you can. Not only are you supporting local business and workers, buying local reduces the amount of oil needed to import raw and finished products, whether from another country or state.
· Visitors and residents of northwest Montana need to be vigilant about preventing the introduction of zebra mussels to our waters. These invasive little pests have caused big problems in other parts of the United States. For more information, visit www.100thMeridian.org.
· Agriculture is an important part of the Flathead’s past and future. There is opportunity for both small and
large scale ag production here, with specialty farms serving local customers and traditional farms serving global customers.
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2009!
Please join us in congratulating the following members of the Leadership Flathead Class of 2009 who graduate on June 11:
Courtney Babcock, Blue Cross Blue ShieldShawn Boelman, Flathead National ForestCynthia Dearing, Rocky Mountain Real
EstateVickie Eggum, Flathead County AttorneyBridgette Evans, Flathead Business &
Industry AssociationJane Foley, Glacier BankJustin Fries, Mountain West BankLaura Gardner, Flathead Job ServiceJohn Goroski, Flathead Electric CoopDorinda Gray, Farm Bureau Financial
ServicesNed Halling, Jackola Architecture &
EngineeringAlisa Ibey, Kalispell Center MallDaniel James, First Interstate BankCorey Johnson, CTA Architects &
EngineersPatti Johnston, Flathead National Forest
Kate Logsdon, Insured TitlesSteve Lorch, Department of Natural
Resources & ConservationSarah Lundstrum, Montana Wilderness
AssociationAllison McCarthy, Flathead Valley
Community CollegeMora McCarthy, Flathead Job ServiceAaron McConkey, APEC, Inc.Angie Meehan, Park Side Federal Credit
UnionNaomi Morrison, North Valley HospitalMatt O’Connell, Evergreen DisposalLaurie O’Leary, Kalispell Regional Medical
CenterMonica Settles, Flathead Valley
Community CollegeMarcia Siblerud, Big Sky PropertiesAmber Steed, Montana Fish, Wildlife &
ParksJason Thomas, Applied Materials
Tom Weller, Thomas, Dean & Hoskins
We thank outgoing Class Officers Dorinda Gray (Farm Bureau Financial Services), Matt O’Connell (Evergreen Disposal), and Laurie O’Leary (Kalispell Regional Medical Center) for their excellent service over the past year, and we welcome incoming Class Officers Tony Nelson (Department of Natural Resources & Conservation), Chris Ohler (Insured Titles), and Pat Van Eimeren (Flathead National Forest) who are ready to serve the Class of 2011. We also thank outgoing Chair Jeremy Presta (Park Side Federal Credit Union), and we welcome incoming Chair Brad Buls (Mountain West Bank.)
NOW RECRUITING FOR CLASS OF 2011 If you or someone you know would make a great candidate for the Leadership Flathead Class of 2011, let us know. Send name(s), business affiliation(s), and contact information to [email protected] and we will mail information about the program. Applications are due June 15, 2010 and selections will be made by mid-July. Questions? Call Jill Seigmund at 758-2810.
15 Depot Park Kalispell, MT 59901
PRSRTDU.S. Postage
PAIDKalispell, MTPermit #13
Occupant / pOstal patrOn
