Missoula, Montana coping with closures – Can-do attitude key to economic survival

Missoula has been hit hard over the past three years. In 2007, it saw the closure of the Stimson Lumber plywood plant in Bonner. The following year, Stimson closed its sawmill. That meant the loss of 100 jobs, but the mill’s employment had been on a long decline. In the 1990s, the plant had about 1,000 workers. Then, in early 2010, Smurfit shut its doors, laying off 417 workers.

Missoula’s business closures are not as severe as the sweeping factory shutdowns in the Midwest, but the area’s economy feels the pain.

Missoula is the only major Montana city to experience three straight years of economic declines, from 2008 to 2010, according to University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

By ERIN MADISON • Tribune Staff Writer

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