Missoula economic leader James Grunke leaving for new "opportunity"

Three days after touting Missoula’s business progress and momentum, the man charged with heading the Garden City’s economic development efforts to leaving for greener pastures.

James Grunke was the second CEO, and President, of the Missoula Economic Partnership, coming on board with the fledgling organization in December 2011.
By Dennis Bragg

http://www.kpax.com/story/37307640/missoula-economic-leader-leaving-for-new-opportunity

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From the Desk of CEO James Grunke

It has been one of the great pleasures of my career to be the CEO of Missoula Economic Partnership. However, it is time for me to move on to the next stage of my life. I will be resigning as the CEO effective January 31st. I am simply presented with too great of an opportunity to pass up, which will also allow me to be with my family. There are many accomplishments that I am very proud to have been a part of during my tenure here. I am particularly proud of the revitalization of the Bonner Mill site and for being able to work alongside the owners Steve Nelson and Mike Boehme. Missoula is a very different place than it was when I first arrived here in 2010, and I am happy to have played a role in its development.

There is never a great time to leave in economic development, as there is always the next big project that is coming along, but the time is right now. The organization is in great shape and the team working hard every day on behalf of the community are terrific and will continue to do great work.

But most importantly, what I am most proud of is the friendships and relationships I have been able to forge in Missoula. I came here because there were people that I wanted to be associated with in trying to improve the economic health of this community and it has been much more rewarding than I could have imagined. I only see great things to come to Missoula.

Please join me and the Board of Directors for a Reception on Wednesday, January 24th, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the Florence Lobby.

Sincerely,

James Grunke

President & CEO, MEP