News

Changing Economy Drives Name Change for Montana Based Economic Development Organization, Jobs Now, Inc. changes name to Montana West Economic Development

Jobs Now, Inc., an economic development organization founded in the Flathead Valley in 1997 will become Montana West Economic Development. Steve Anderson, Vice Chair of the organization and Chairman of a recent $1.5 million capital campaign, cited the expanded mission of the organization and changing opportunities in the regional and state economy as drivers of the Board decision to make a change.

“Jobs Now, Inc. is engaged in building a stronger economy through marketing, recruitment and expansion, sourcing private capital and other financing opportunities for business and building strong collaborations with local, regional and national entities.

While jobs will always be a benchmark measure for us, our work plan is focused on the quality and type of job rather than numbers and on attracting private capital into the economy”. Anderson goes on to say,” Montana is a great brand and we wanted to marry that with our location and our mission, economic development.” Jobs Now, Inc. was often mistaken for an employment agency.

Flathead County’s economy has experienced significant diversification and growth over the past 5 years. The population grew over 9% from 2000 to 2004 and now is the third largest county in the state at almost 82,000.

Montana West Economic Development is a new name but the organization remains committed to the highest level of customer and client services and a return on investment to stakeholders. Notable projects include the TeleTech location in Kalispell, Resource Label Group in Whitefish and Artisans Doors of Montana. The TeleTech deal was the featured expansion in Area Development’s Annual State Review published this month.

Montana West ED facilitates the ACME Angels of Montana, a regional early stage investor group. The organization partners with area Chambers of Commerce and other organizations in the Flathead County Business Expansion and Retention Program (BEAR) project and runs the Flathead County PORT Authority.

Liz Harris has been President of Jobs Now, Inc. for five years. She is currently serving as President of the Montana Ambassadors and is a member of the University Of Montana Academy Of Distinguished Entrepreneurs. Kate Downen recently joined the organization as Client Services Manager. Gary Winship is Director of Lending and Carol Oberndorfer is Office Manager.

The organization recently launched a new website, http://www.dobusinessinmontna.com. Designed by Whitefish based Zane Ray Group, the website is a portal for comprehensive information, data and resources for doing business in northwest Montana.

Montana West Economic Development is governed by a 22 member Board of Directors and an Executive Committee and has over 80 private investors in the work of the organization.

Liz Harris

406-257-7711

[email protected]

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.