Missoula Economic Partnership touts a busy second year

Work has been plentiful this year for the small staff of the Missoula Economic Partnership http://www.missoulaworks.org/ .

It has helped lead the effort to bring a low-cost air carrier to Missoula, mentored business owners hoping to grow their companies, connected entrepreneurs with investors and hosted dozens of companies considering relocation to Missoula.

The economic development organization is busy in its second year of existence, having been led for the last year by president and chief executive officer James Grunke, who took over – hastily – in December 2011.

By JENNA CEDERBERG of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/missoula-economic-partnership-touts-a-busy-second-year/article_2cef0fb6-20ba-11e2-96f4-001a4bcf887a.html

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City considers contract with Missoula Economic Partnership

The city of Missoula is a big investor in the Missoula Economic Partnership, contributing $100,000 this fiscal year and the same last year.

Public money accounts for an estimated 25 percent of the partnership’s funding, including money from Missoula County, the University of Montana and the Missoula County Airport Authority, according to James Grunke, president and chief executive officer of the MEP. The partnership has an annual budget of roughly $640,000.

Currently, the city of Missoula has no contract with the partnership, but the city pays an invoice based on its annual budget, Mayor John Engen said. He said the city is considering entering into an agreement similar to the one the county has with the Missoula Economic Partnership.

MEP FAQ http://www.missoulaworks.org/index.php?page=frequently-asked-questions

By KEILA SZPALLER of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/city-considers-contract-with-missoula-economic-partnership/article_4d1de0e4-20bc-11e2-bc7b-001a4bcf887a.html