Governor Schweitzer Makes New Appointments to the Montana Economic Development Advisory Council

The Economic Development Advisory Council provides direction and oversight to the
Governor and the Montana Department of Commerce (DOC).

The Economic Development Advisory Council is administratively attached to the Department of Commerce.

New Members:

* Jim Atchison, Colstrip. Qualification: public representative. Atchison is the director of the Southeastern Montana Development Corporation. He has a business degree and attended both Dawson Community College and Montana State University.

* Elizabeth Marchi, Polson. Qualification: public representative. Marchi is a consultant in marketing, communications, fundraising and investing. She is a graduate of Hollins University.

* Joe Menicucci, Belgrade. Qualification: public representative. Menicucci is the city manager for the city of Belgrade. He is a certified economic development loan professional and is a graduate of Montana Tech.

* Richard Sangrey, Box Elder. Qualification: public representative. Sangrey is chief of staff for the Chippewa Cree Tribe. He has been involved with the Bear Paw Development Corporation, Opportunity Link, the State Tribal Economic Development Commission and the Inter-Tribal Monitoring Association.

* Curt Starr, Billings. Qualification: public representative. Starr is the controller for Gainan Floral Inc. He has a masters’ degree from Carnegie-Mellon University and is a board member for ZooMontana and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.

* Wade Sikorski, Baker. Qualification: public representative. Sikorski has a doctorate in political science from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst); his undergraduate degree is from Montana State University.

Full Board list: http://businessresources.mt.gov/BRD_EDAC.asp