Flathead Valley Wide Marketing Initiative Kick-off, May 24

Collaboration and team work have resulted in a county-wide initiative for economic development. The creation of cohesive strategy to promote the valley as a place to do business will kick-off May 24th. The effort will address both local businesses searching for resources to expand as well as the recruitment of out-of-state businesses and entrepreneurs using a variety of tactics ranging from traditional marketing to social media.

Flathead County Economic Development Authority, Montana West Economic Development, the Cities of Columbia Falls, Kalispell and Whitefish and all local Chambers of Commerce along with Glacier Park International Airport combined funding to match a $20,000 grant from the Montana Department of Commerce’s Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund.

Eric Canada, principle at BlaneCanada a firm specializing in economic development marketing, will work with representatives from the communities to sculpt a comprehensive five-year marketing plan with a two-year implementation program with goals, strategies, tactics, timeline and budget to promote the area to specified industries as a quality-of-life location with a pro-business attitude.

The report identified strengths that the Flathead Valley could build upon. These included natural amenities and a high quality-of-life, exceptional access to broadband and a favorable business tax climate that ranks Montana 6th in the nation (http://www.taxfoundation.org).

Preceding the engagement of Mr. Canada, Montana West Economic Development commissioned Dr. Brad Eldredge, PhD, Flathead Valley Community College, to analyze current data and determine where jobs in the future will more than likely come from in the Flathead.

Dr. Eldredge’s report concluded with focusing on suggested industry sectors including knowledge based industries, tourism, machine and metals manufacturing, and “lone eagles”. The lone eagle sector is comprised of the growing number of the workers that live in one community, but are employed by a company in another region or city; or those that own a business that is location agnostic.

By leveraging amenities, quality-of-life and existing industries, the report suggested that Flathead County focus on attracting knowledge intensive industries. These industries are the highest paying and fastest growing industries producing goods and services where knowledge is a key input into the production process. The report quoted Richard Florida’s book “The Creative Class” which illustrates the link between amenities and the attraction of knowledge workers also known as “lone eagles,” “the creative class,” or “lifestyle CEOs”. Research shows that a community’s amenities are a key driver in their location decisions. Important amenities include:

• A critical mass of other relatively young knowledge workers

• Easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities

• A wide range of entertainment and nightlife options, including alcohol free options

• A clean, healthy environment and a commitment to preserving the environment for recreational enjoyment

• A lifestyle that is youth friendly and supportive of diversity

(See Florida, 2000).

In addition to targeting these industries the marketing plan is expected to create a road map to assist Flathead County in identifying and communicating to business owners and entrepreneurs who visit the valley or desire a rich lifestyle that the Flathead Valley and its communities are a great place to do business and welcome them.

View the entire report at http://www.DoBusinessInMontana.com.

Montana West Economic Development is a non-profit private/public partnership dedicated to Quality Job Growth, a Broader Tax Base, Economic Diversity and Regional Collaboration to benefit the broader Flathead community through attraction, retention and growth of businesses.

314 Main Street

Kalispell, MT 59901

406-257-7711

FAX 406-257-7772

http://www.DoBusinessInMontana.com