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Kalispell Chamber fosters phase two of plans to boost agri-tourism in the Flathead Valley

Agribusiness Committee meets to discuss new initiatives for 2015

Spirits ran high as local growers, wineries, brewers and distillers gathered to share their reports of expansion at the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s Agribusiness Committee meeting. The meeting was held March 3 and hosted fourteen of the Flathead Valley’s most influential food and beverage manufacturers. Representatives from Flathead Valley Community College, the Department of Agriculture joined the manufacturers.

In addition to general discussion surrounding expansion and extended product lines, attendees examined new ways for local food and beverage manufacturers to support and benefit one another.

"Montana is a unique market, which means businesses need to work together in order to thrive. We have a relatively small year-round population and a large influx of summer tourists," shared Nic Lee, owner of Glacier Distillery. "By operating as a network, we are better able to spread the word about each other’s businesses and create a more consistent, manageable flow, both in slow and busy seasons."

The increased communication and new ideas sparked at the March 3 meeting come on the heels of successful initiatives led by the Chamber in recent years.

In an effort to increase consumption of products made in the Flathead Valley, the Kalispell Chamber launched an annual Farm-to-Table luncheon in 2013. In the last two years, the program has become one the Chamber’s most popular annual events. In addition, based on a request from the Agribusiness Committee, the Chamber/CVB developed a map of Flathead Valley wineries, breweries and distilleries. The map was then printed and distributed to participating locations, which provided the map to the public.

Both efforts have enjoyed significant success and left the Chamber looking for new ways to promote agri-tourism in the valley.

"Agri-tourism and farm-to-table values are trending locally and across the nation. Supporting our local food and beverage makers is a top priority for the Kalispell Chamber," said Kalispell Chamber president, Joe Unterriener. "Taking time to listen to our members means we are better equipped to serve and support burgeoning industry sectors such as local food and beverage manufacturers. Their feedback helps our team customize programs that work."

Based on recommendations made at the March 3 Agribusiness Committee meeting, the Kalispell Chamber is considering new efforts for 2015. Possibilities include facilitating a network to increase use of locally manufactured products by area restaurants, a hosted tour of wineries, breweries and distilleries, or development of a "Made in the Flathead Valley" accreditation.

For more information or to participate in the Kalispell Chamber’s Agribusiness Committee, please call 758-2800 or email [email protected]. For more information about the Kalispell Chamber, visit http://www.kalispellchamber.com.

About the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau

Since 1904, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau has been a leading voice in strengthening our community and the business climate, with the goal of making Kalispell and the Flathead Valley an ideal location to live and work. The Chamber consists of 700 businesses and organizations, which employ over half of the workforce in Flathead County, Montana.

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The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is the longest-standing and leading advocate for the Flathead Valley community and business climate.

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